HC Deb 18 March 1920 vol 126 cc2371-2
36. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Prime Minister whether there had been any communication between the Allied representatives in Germany and the leaders of the party which effected the coup d'état in Germany at the end of last week, and overthrew the Bauer-Ebert Government, before the coup d'état; if so, whether any assurances were given to or pledges exacted from those leaders and what these pledges or assurances were; whether he has any information that General von Ludendorff is in any way connected with the party that has seized power in Germany; and when a statement of policy with regard to the new situation in Germany will be made?

The PRIME MINISTER

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The second part does not therefore arise. With regard to the third part of the question, beyond reports appearing in the Press, His Majesty's Government have at present received no such information. In a rapidly changing situation such as that in Germany at the moment, His Majesty's Government do not consider that any fresh statement of policy is yet possible. The Allied Governments have the matter under further consideration this afternoon. The House may, however, rest assured that His Majesty's Government, in common with the Allied Governments, intend to see that the Treaty is observed.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Has the right hon. Gentleman satisfied himself that there has been no collusion between the German militarist party and certain diplomatic and military elements in this country and France?