HC Deb 14 June 1920 vol 130 cc887-8
58. Mr. G. BARNES

asked the Prime Minister if he adheres to his declared intention of attending in person the ensuing meeting of the Council of the League of Nations; and if he will bring the questions of differences between Poland and her neighbours under discussion at such meeting?

The PRIME MINISTER

I promised to consider carefully whether I should attend the next meeting of the Council of the League. I have done so, but have decided that my attendance at this meeting would not be desirable. This decision, however, does not preclude my attendance at subsequent meetings.

Mr. BARNES

Can I have an answer to the last part of the question—[HON. MEMBERS: "Speak up!"]—as to the discussions of Poland and her neighbours?

The PRIME MINISTER

Well, I think it is probable that they will be discussed.

Mr. BARNES

Will the Prime Minister use his influence to get them discussed? [HON. MEMBERS: "Speak up!"] Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that in the event of their not being discussed that the League of Nations will be under imputation of bias?

The PRIME MINISTER

To what neighbours of Poland does my right hon. Friend refer?

Mr. BARNES

Both.

The PRIME MINISTER

Because Poland has trouble from practically all her neighbours, Lithuania and Czecho-Slovakia. But my right hon. Friend knows very well that there are negotiations going on in regard to these two countries and Poland, and I am not sure that it will be necessary for the intervention of the League in either of these cases.

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