HC Deb 20 November 1919 vol 121 cc1125-7
57. Major GLYN

asked the Prime Minister whether the attention of the Government had been called to the present situation in Vienna; whether urgent appeals from the Government in Vienna had been recently received making further demands upon this country for food and wearing material; whether these demands, which were the concern of all the Allied Powers, would impose a heavy extra burden upon the Treasury; what was the approximate aid that had already been given to the Government in Vienna by the British for the relief of the distressed population of Austria, both in money and goods; and what was the immediate policy of His Majesty's Government in this matter?

The PRIME MINISTER

The answer to the first three parts of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the fourth part, the British share amounts to £3,500,000. As regards the last part, as discussions are still proceeding with our Allies, I can make no statement.

General CROFT

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an undertaking that no further supplies will be sent to Vienna in preference to our loyal Allies in Russia?

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Could not an arrangement be come to whereby we supplied raw material to the people in Vienna, so that they could feed themselves, instead of supplying them merely with food, which keeps them alive without any definite possibility of reconstruction?

The PRIME MINISTER

There is another question by the same hon. and gallant Member later on. We cannot undertake the whole responsibility. Unless the United States is prepared to come in to assist, it is quite impossible for us, much as we sympathise with the distress in that part of Europe.

Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSON

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that if the Soviet Government goes into the world market to buy, there will be so much less for Bulgaria and Turkey?

76. Lord R. CECIL

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the reports of the very serious economic conditions in Vienna; whether the Government have received any information on the subject; and, if so, whether they can make any statement thereon to the House?

The PRIME MINISTER

Attention has been drawn to the situation in Vienna. The Government are in receipt of information from the British representative (Mr. Lindley) and from the British Relief Mission on the spot. The general economic situation in Austria is at present under discussion by the Allied Governments, in consequence of a report which has been received from the Sub-Commission of the Reparations Commission at Vienna. For the moment it is not possible to make any detailed statement on the question to the House, but I think it right to say that I see no hope of adequate relief of the situation in Vienna without the cooperation of the United States.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

And Russia!

Lord R. CECIL

May I ask when the right hon. Gentleman will be able to have Papers laid on the Table on this subject, because he will realise that it is a matter which affects not only Austria, but possibly the peace of the whole world?

The PRIME MINISTER

I should like to confer with the Foreign Secretary before answering that question.