HC Deb 16 November 1920 vol 134 cc1665-6
1. Mr. PENNEFATHER

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that, according to a report made by the commandant of the American Marine Corps, during the 3½ years of occupation of Hayti by America some 3,250, or approximately one out of every 400 of the Haytian population, were killed; has his attention been drawn to a statement made by Mr. Harry A. Frank, in an American journal, to the effect that the Haytian Government protested to England, asking her to intervene to stop such practices; whether the Haytian Government or anyone on its behalf made any protest or request to the British Government; and, if so, will he state what attitude the British Government took in regard to the matter?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Cecil Harmsworth)

I am aware that allegation have been made with regard to the conduct of some of the American troops in Hayti, and I understand that a board of inquiry has been appointed to investigate the matter. I am making inquiries with regard to the statements by Mr. Frank, to which the hon. Member refers, but no request for intervention has been received by His Majesty's Government from or on behalf of the Haytian Government.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

Had we not better put our own house in order in Ireland before bothering about anywhere else?

Sir J. D. REES

May I ask whether the Haytian Government will not be able to exact ample revenge now that they are members of the League of Nations, and in that capacity presumably the equals of the Republics of France and America?

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