§ 42. Mr. GILBERTasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the recent railway regulations made by the French authorities in the Ruhr district of the occupied territory in Germany will prevent British tourists from visiting this or any part of Germany; whether tourists in the holiday season are still free to visit the Rhine and the many holiday places adjacent thereto; can he make any statement on the subject for the guidance of British tourists; and can he state if the same regulations apply to visitors on business to that part of Germany?
§ Mr. McNEILLHis Majesty's Government are unaware of any recent railway 917 regulations which would prevent British subjects from visiting the Ruhr or from passing through the Ruhr en route for any other part of Germany. I would, however, refer the hon. Member to the following notice, which was issued by the Foreign Office on 9th February last:
In existing circumstances passports for occupied German territory can be granted only in cases of important business or exceptional urgency. Persons travelling to Germany, both occupied and unoccupied, are warned of possible discomfort and delay owing to the uncertain train service.This notice still holds good for individual travellers, but in the case of personally conducted tours a concession has been made, and such parties are allowed to proceed on an undertaking being given that the necessary arrangements have been made for railway facilities and accommodation, and on the understanding that the party is being conducted on the responsibility of the agency organising the tour.
§ 50. Mr. PONSONBYasked the Prime Minister if British citizens are being prevented by French military orders from freely travelling in Germany?
§ Mr. McNEILLI have had no information to that effect.