22. Mr. R. McLAREN askedthe Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if Sir Stuart Samuel's Commission to Poland returned in December, 1919; if its Report has been in the Government's hands for a considerable time; if it was promised to be laid before the House in the course of the week before last; if so, why has this not been done; and when will it be produced?
Mr. HARMSWORTHSir Stuart Samuel's Report has now been examined, and the statements and recommendations, as regards the position of the Jews in Poland, are found to bear directly on the Minority Clauses of the Treaty concluded by the Allied Powers with Poland. It is to the League of Nations that the duty is entrusted of seeing that these Clauses are properly observed, and alleged infractions are bound to be brought to its notice in the first instance. In accordance, therefore, with the provisions of the Treaty, His Majesty's Government intend to instruct the British representative on the Council of the League to bring Sir Stuart Samuel's Report before the Council at an early date.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYDoes that mean that the Report will not be laid before Parliament? Was not Sir Stuart Samuel's Commission sent out to report to Parliament?
Mr. HARMSWORTHIt means that there will be some delay before the Report can be put on the Table of this House.
§ Lord R. CECILWhy should it not be presented to Parliament?
Mr. HARMSWORTHWe have had the advice of the Secretary-General of the League of Nations, but I will go into that matter again if my Noble Friend desires.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYWill it be laid eventually?