HC Deb 27 June 1921 vol 143 cc1776-7
26. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Prime Minister what further progress has been made by the Allies with the enforcement of the Treaty of Versailles in respect to Upper Silesia; whether he adheres to the policy of His Majesty's Government as last explained by him to this House; and when he will be in a position to make a further statement?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN (Leader of the House)

Negotiations having for their object the withdrawal by consent of the Polish insurgents and the German self-defence organisations are in progress between the Inter-Allied Commission and the representatives of the parties. The policy of His Majesty's Government has undergone no change since my last statement on this subject. I am unable to say when it will be possible to make a further statement.

27. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that the towns and villages of Kostellitz, Wachowitz, Fei-Pipa, Fei-Kadlub, Schemrowitz, Waldhaeuser, Hohenbirken, Bukan, and Markowitz, in Upper Silesia, have been evacuated by the German defence forces on the demand of the Allied troops, and have since been occupied by the Polish insurgents, who are inflicting reprisals on the civil population; whether the Allied troops are taking steps or have taken steps to compel the Poles to evacuate these towns and villages; and why orders are not given to the Allied commanders to keep order impartially?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The villages of Kostellitz, Wachowitz, and Fei-Pipa were taken by the Polish insurgents at the inception of the movement. The remaining villages quoted are not in the hands of the insurgents. Waldhausen is actually occupied by British troops. The Allied commanders understand clearly that they are to keep order impartially.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that order has not been kept impartially, and that the Poles have been favoured by, at any rate, one of the Allies, and the Germans disfavoured?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

No, I cannot accept the hon. and gallant Gentleman's statement.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Is it not notorious that the Polish insurgents have been favoured by one of the Allies?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. and gallant Gentleman is repeating the question in another form.