HC Deb 15 March 1923 vol 161 cc1751-2
53. Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the Canadian desire, as expressed to the Colonial Office, in favour of the independence of Eastern Galicia; and will he communicate to our representative on the Ambassadors' Conference the undesirability of his being a party to any sacrifice of the independence of Eastern Galicia?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Ronald McNeill)

I am aware that the Canadian representative raised the question of the status of Eastern Galicia at the Third Assembly of the League of Nations, but no communication un the subject has been received by His Majesty's Government from the Canadian Government since the close of the Assembly. Certain organisations representing Canadians of Ukrainian origin have, I under stand, expressed themselves in favour of the independence of Eastern Galicia, but His Majesty's Government do not consider ibis expression of opinion sufficient to justify them in adopting the course suggested by the hon. and gallant Member.

Lieut.-Colonel COURTHOPE

Is the answer of my hon. Friend affected by the decision taken at Paris yesterday?

Mr. McNEILL

No, Sir, it is not affected by that. What my hon. and gallant Friend refers to is in an unfinished stage at present.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Are we to understand from the Under-Secretary that the Conference yesterday postponed the consideration of this question for further evidence?

Mr. McNEILL

No, I am not aware that they did that.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

What have they done? Does the representative of the Foreign Office in this House know what decision was come to In the Ambassadors' Conference yesterday in Paris?

Mr. McNEILL

Yes, but. I think the decision was only a provisional one.