HC Deb 21 June 1921 vol 143 cc1099-100
Mr. A. HERBERT

(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister (1) whether proposals have been made and are now being considered to transfer the question of the delimitation of the Albanian frontier from the League of Nations to the Council of Ambassadors;

(2) whether the Albanian Government as a member of the League of Nations has requested that the question of frontiers between itself and its adjacent fellow-members of the League should be undertaken by the League of Nations?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I am not aware that the question of fixing the frontiers of Albania has ever come before the League of Nations. It has been referred for settlement to the Conference of Ambassadors at Paris by agreement between the British, French and Italian Governments. Meanwhile, the Albanian Delegation in Paris has appealed to the Council of the League of Nations to compose certain local differences that have arisen between Albania and her Serb and Greek neighbours.

Mr. HERBERT

Is my right hon. Friend aware that some time ago the Council of Ambassadors of the Supreme Council partitioned the country of Albania, and that it was exactly for the purpose of preventing these things that the League of Nations was founded; and may I ask if Albania's appeal for an impartial tribunal will be considered, and her country not turned over to a partial tribunal?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I would ask my hon. Friend to put down a question of this international importance.

Lord R. CECIL

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell the House the exact nature of the appeal which, according to the papers, the Albanian Government has made to the Council of the League?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I cannot trust my memory to state with sufficient accuracy what has passed in matters of this international character, unless I have notice of the question.