§ 43. Mr. C. WHITEasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is in a position to confirm or deny the report that the French troops in Upper Silesia offered no resistance to the Polish insurgents; and, if resistance was offered, how many casualties were sustained?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Cecil Harmsworth)It would not be accurate to say that the French troops offered no resistance to the insurgents. The number of casualties among the French troops is given as three killed and six wounded.
§ 53. Mr. WHITEasked the Prime Minister whether a decision has yet been arrived at as to the future of Upper Silesia as a result of the plebiscite?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe question will be considered at the forthcoming meeting of the Allied Conference.
§ 72. Mr. GLANVILLEasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information that arms have been supplied by the Polish Government or its agents to the Polish insurgents in Upper Silesia?
§ Mr. HARMSWORTHThe answer is in the negative.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYHas the hon. Gentleman seen the statements in English newspapers that there is continuous traffic in arms across the Polish frontier? Are they all untrue?
§ Mr. HARMSWORTHI have said that the answer is in the negative.
47. Captain TERRELLasked the Prime Minister whether the small British Force in Polish Silesia has sustained any casualties as a result of the recent trouble and, if so, how many; whether any steps have been taken to strengthen it, and, if so, of what nature; whether any representations have been made to the Polish Government; and if inquiries have shown that it has connived at the recent aggression?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThere is at present no British Force in Upper. Silesia, though there are a number of English 28 officials in the service of the Inter-Allied Commission. Only one slight casualty to an English official has been reported. A force of four battalions of British infantry is under orders to proceed to Upper Silesia from the Rhine, and it is under contemplation, if possible, to increase this force. Urgent representations have been made at Warsaw by the Ministers of the three Allied Powers acting in concert. The evidence at our disposal renders it difficult to form a definite opinion" with regard to the last part of the question.
§ Colonel ASHLEYIn view of the fact that the Germans are now paying, or owing, for the British force on the Rhine, who is going to pay for these four battalions that are to be sent to Silesia? Have we to pay for them?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINCertainly the Germans have not to pay, as part of the Army of Occupation on the Rhine, for forces which are no longer there.
§ Colonel ASHLEYMay I take it, therefore, that the British taxpayer has got to pay for them?
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWhen is it expected that these British troops will leave the Rhine for Silesia?