HC Deb 22 May 1922 vol 154 cc783-4
33. Lord ROBERT CECIL

asked the Prime Minister whether any steps have been taken to settle the status and boundaries of Eastern Galicia; and what action the Government contemplate in relation to this question?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN (Leader of the House)

Under the arrangements arrived at at Genoa, the existing boundaries of Eastern Galicia are provisionally accepted for the purpose of the truce, but the final status of Eastern Galicia was not discussed at the Genoa Conference.

Lord R. CECIL

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of the question? Is he aware that this is a matter which was left in the hands of the principal Allied Powers by the Treaty of Paris, that nothing whatever is being done, and that a condition of very grave disorder and danger to Europe exists in Galicia?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

Yes. I am aware that the decision rests with the Supreme Council or the principal Allied Powers, under the Treaty, and I agree that the future of this part of the world is a matter of great importance. I cannot say when it will be settled.

Lord R. CECIL

What is the policy of the Government? That is what I want to know. It is a very pressing matter.

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

If my Noble Friend wants an answer to that question, he must please put it on the Paper.

Lord R. CECIL

What action does the Government contemplate?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I did not understand my Noble Friend's question as meaning that. I was requested to make a statement of policy on the subject, and I am not prepared to do so without notice.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that only last week, in answer to a question by me, he said that Eastern Galicia was being considered by the Conference at Genoa?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The boundaries of Galicia had come under discussion there in connection with the pact of peace, and were provisionally accepted for that purpose, but the status of Galicia did not.