HC Deb 06 May 1920 vol 128 cc2221-2
39. Major MACKENZIE WOOD

asked the Prime Minister whether the Allies, or any one of them, is giving moral or material support to Poland in her attack on Russia; and have the Allies exercised any pressure on Poland in the direction of peace?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The answer to both parts of the question is in the negative, so far as concerns His Majesty's Government.

Captain W. BENN

But if the Poles have gone many miles beyond the frontier laid down by the Peace Treaty, is not the assent of the Government practically an encouragement to the aggression of the Poles?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I do not know what the hon. and gallant Gentleman means. Does he mean that we should have gone to war with Poland to prevent them?

Captain BENN

Has the Government made representations either to the Poles or the Council of the League of Nations, with reference to the fact that the Poles have exceeded the boundaries laid down in the Peace Treaty?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I have really already answered that question. We have informed the Poles, and all the other Baltic States, that we could give them no advice and take no responsibility for their actions.

Captain BENN

Does the Government say they will not take any action under Article II of the Covenant of the League?

Mr. BILLING

Is it not a fact that if we interfere in this matter and stop Poland, we take upon ourselves the responsibility of protecting them from attack?

Mr. BONAR LAW

That question has been answered.