52. Captain BENNasked the Prime Minister whether he has indicated to the French Government the policy of His Majesty's Government towards the proposal for the declaration of a Rhineland republic?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANNo such proposal has been made to His Majesty's Government?
Captain BENNHas His Majesty's Government indicated to the French Government their attitude towards the proposal to set up a Rhineland Republic?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANIt would be premature to indicate the attitude of this Government towards the proposal before the French Government have made it.
Captain BENNIs it not a fact that such proposals have been made—not, indeed, directly by the French Govern- 1661 ment—and have they been apprised of our attitude? [HON. MEMBERS "By whom? "]
Lieut.-Colonel WATTS-MORGANBy your Press—Lord Rothermere yesterday and the "Pictorial" and others. [HON. MEMBERS: "Order "] Well, you asked for it.