HC Deb 31 July 1919 vol 118 cc2253-4
2. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any decision has yet been arrived at as to the future of Eastern Galicia; whether the predominantly Ukrainian character of the population will be taken into account in arriving at a decision; whether the policy of creating a bulwark against Soviet Russia will result in this region being handed over to the Poles; and whether he is aware that this course of action is calculated to drive the Ukrainians into the Soviet system?

The PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Cecil Harmsworth)

The reply to the first, second, and third parts of the question of the hon. and gallant Member is that the Council of Foreign Ministers in Paris decided on June 25th that Poland should occupy the whole of the province of Eastern Galicia. In the meantime a treaty is to be negotiated between the principal Allied and Associated Powers and Poland, providing for the establishment of a temporary civil Government in the country, until such time as a plebiscite can be taken to regulate its ultimate status. As regards the last part of the question, I see no reason to anticipate the result suggested by the hon. and gallant Member.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Are the Ukrainian authorities in Paris being consulted as regards the way their country is being disposed of?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

The hon. and gallant Gentleman should give notice of that question.

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