HC Deb 08 July 1919 vol 117 cc1573-4
4. Sir S. HOARE

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that great harm is being caused to British interests by the failure of His Majesty's Government to send a Minister and an adequate diplomatic and consular staff to the Czech Republic; and whether steps can at once be taken to appoint a suitable Minister with an adequate diplomatic and consular staff?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

I am not prepared to accept the statement which the hon. and gallant Member makes in the first part of his question, but I may say that it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to appoint a Minister shortly to reside at Prague. He will have adequate diplomatic and consular staff.

Sir S. HOARE

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that both Franco and the United States of America have appointed adequately-staffed missions and that the interests of this country are grievously suffering by the under-representation of British interests in a most important part of Central Europe?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

Yes. I have just stated that we are now about to repair that omission.

Sir S. HOARE

Can he say when the new Minister is going to be sent there? It is now eight months since the Armistice was signed, and no Minister has yet been appointed.

Mr. HARMSWORTH

Yes, he will be despatched there as quickly as possible.