HC Deb 19 October 1920 vol 133 cc773-4
37. Major ENTWISTLE

asked the Prime Minister whether he can state the results of the plebiscites provided for in the German and Austrian treaties?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

As the answer is rather long, perhaps the hon. and gallant Member will allow me to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The following is the information referred to:

As regards the plebiscites under the Treaty of Versailles, in Slesvig, in the first or Northern zone, the voting was preponderatingly in favour of Denmark, and in the second or Southern zone in favour of Germany. The frontier which is now being laid down as a result of the plebiscite almost exactly coincides with that between the two zones as defined in the Treaty. In the East Prussian districts of Allenstein and Marienwerder the plebiscite results showed in both cases a large majority in favour of Germany. Those districts have accordingly been allotted to Germany, with certain small exceptions. The Upper Silesia plebiscite has not yet been held. Under the Treaty of St. Germain the plebiscite in the Southern zone of the Klagenfurt area was held on Sunday, the 10th October According to the figures I have received, 22,025 votes were cast for Austria and 15,278 for Yugo-Slavia. Under the Peace Treaty, therefore, no vote is required in the Northern zone, the whole area passing to Austria. Under the arrangement provided in Article 34 of the Treaty of Versailles, whereby the inhabitants of Eupen and Malmedy were enabled to register their desire to see German sovereignty maintained in these districts, only 271 persons out of total population of 63,000 recorded their votes in favour of Germany. On the 16th September, during its session in Paris, the Council of the League of Nations recognised the definite transfers of these districts to the sovereignty of Belgium.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

May I ask whether the Allies are doing anything to see that the results of the plebiscites are recognised and respected by the neighbouring countries?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

In the majority of cases the settlements have been acquiesced in peacefully.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

What about Klagenfurt?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

That is another matter.