§ 48. Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the damage inflicted on British interests by the French occupation of the Ruhr, the Government will protest against such actions of the French authorities as the eviction of large numbers of German workmen and their families from their dwellings and the wholesale imprisonment of German subjects, as calculated to prolong the dispute and hinder British cooperation in the settlement of the reparations question?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Ronald McNeill)I cannot give any such undertaking, as I do not think that the action proposed by the Noble Lord would serve the purpose he has in view.
§ Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKCan the hon. Gentleman say when the British Government will feel itself at liberty to assert British ideals and uphold and defend British interests?
§ Captain Viscount CURZONWill the hon. Gentleman assure us that the British Government will not take any action which might be construed as hostile action towards France?
§ Sir W. DAVISONis not the real reason that the Germans have failed to perform their duty under the Treaty of Versailles?
§ Mr. McNEILLHis Majesty's Government will, on every possible occasion, uphold British interests, but they have no intention whatever of pursuing a pinprick policy towards France.
§ Lord H. CAVENDISH- BENTINCKWho is responsible for giving M. Loucheur the impression that this country is favourable to the Ruhr policy of France?
§ Mr. McNEILLOn a point of Order. Hon. Members are asking me to answer. I should be glad to do so, but, unfortu 1850 nately, I could not hear a word that my Noble Friend said.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe question was not one that could be answered at Question Time.