HC Deb 15 April 1920 vol 127 cc1836-7
60. Sir PARK GOFF

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he can give any definite information as to the removal of the ex-Kaiser and ex-Crown Prince from the borders of their own frontier?

Mr. BONAR LAW

Under decrees recently issued by the Netherlands Government, the Island of Wieringen has been assigned as a domicile for the ex-Crown Prince, and certain parts of the Province of Utrecht as a place of residence for the ex-Emperor.

Sir P. GOFF

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a large body of public opinion in neutral countries alone which considers that their presence in Holland is the direct cause of all the plots and counter-plots in Germany?

Mr. BON AR LAW

My hon. Friend will have seen from the despatches sent both by this Government and by our Allies that we very much regret the decision of the Dutch Government.

Mr. BILLING

Will the right hon. Gentleman say that under no consideration whatever will the ex-Kaiser or the ex-Crown Prince be permitted to re-entor Germany?

Mr. BONAR LAW

Certainly, that is the intention not only of ourselves, but of the Allied Governments.

Mr. BILLING

Is it intended to be enforced, if necessary, by force?

Mr. BONAR LAW indicated assent.

Sir F. HALL

If the Dutch people are desirous of retaining these War criminals, would it not be safer for Europe as a whole for the Dutch Government to export them to one of their Colonies?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I think my hon. Friend will find that that was suggested by the Allies.

Sir F. HALL

Will the right hon. Gentleman say that it will be still further pressed?

Mr. BONAR LAW

We have pressed it to the extent of our power.

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