HC Deb 18 November 1920 vol 134 cc2082-3
36. Mr. RAFFAN

asked the Prime Minister whether he can give an assurance that if application is made by Germany to the Assembly of the League of Nations for admission to the League such application will be supported by the British representatives?

The PRIME MINISTER

We have no knowledge that an application will be made by Germany.

Mr. RAFFAN

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that it has been freely stated that Germany hesitates to apply for fear of a rebuff, and will the Government consider what steps they can take in view of that fact?

The PRIME MINISTER

That is not the reason assigned in the German Reichstag.

67. Sir F. HALL

asked the Prime Minister whether instructions have been given by the French Government to its delegates at the Geneva meeting of the League of Nations to oppose for the present the admission of Germany to the League of Nations; if this course has been adopted by France largely on the ground that Germany has persistently evaded her obligations under the Peace Treaty as to the punishment of Germans guilty of unspeakable crimes against French soldiers and civilians; and if, in view of the deep interest which this country has in the same matter, he will state whether any instructions on the subject have been given to the British delegates?

The PRIME MINISTER

I have no knowledge of any instructions which may have been issued by the French Government in the sense indicated in the first part of the question. The second and third parts of the question do not therefore arise.

Sir F. HALL

Is it the intention of the British Government to permit Germany to enter into the League of Nations before any reparation is being made by Germany in consequence of the criminal manner in which our prisoners were treated by Germany?

The PRIME MINISTER

That is a different question.

Sir F. HALL

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think, if they are not dealt with before they enter into the League of Nations, there will be no reparation or any criminal proceedings taken at all?

Mr. RAFFAN

May we take it that there is no truth in the statement that we have come to an agreement with France to oppose the inclusion of Germany into the League of Nations?

The PRIME MINISTER

The question has not arisen yet.

Back to
Forward to