§ 50. Sir JOHN SIMONasked the Prime Minister whether the Ambassadors' Conference has come to a decision as to the future status of Eastern Galicia; if so, what is that decision; whether the decision is provisional or final; if it is provisional in what respect it is so, whether in regard to duration, to acceptance by the people affected, or to ratification by the Powers; and whether an opportunity will be given to the House for discussion before the decision is finally ratified?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Bonar Law)The Ambassadors' Conference have reached a decision as to the future status of East Galicia the text of which will be published shortly. This decision, which assigns Eastern Galicia to Poland subject to certain conditions, is final and was reached with the approval of His Majesty's Government and of the other Governments represented at the Conference. The subject could, I think, be raised on the Consolidated Fund Bill.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYDoes not the fact that the Treaty of Versailles was laid before this House entitle this House also to pronounce on a decision arising out of it?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNot at all.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIs it understood that we have any responsibility for guaranteeing this new frontier for Poland.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are over 500,000 British citizens of Ukrainian stock in the Dominion of Canada, where there is great dismay at the decision, and is he aware that these people are looking to this country to protect the interests of of their nationals in Europe?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am aware of that, but the decision has been taken after all these facts have been taken into consideration.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODMay I press for an answer to my first question, and may I ask whether any definite instructions on this point were sent to His Majesty's representative in Paris at the Ambassadors' Conference?
§ The PRIME MINISTERYes, our representative carried out the instructions of the Government which were given to him. As regards our responsibility, it is the same as regards other parts of the Treaty of Versailles.
§ Sir J. SIMONWill the right hon. Gentleman tell the House, or inform the House in some way, what are the conditions subject to which the decision has been arrived at?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe conditions are that Poland, which has been in occupation of the country for three or four years, has recognised that the ethnographical conditions make autonomy necessary in that region.
§ Mr. WALLHEADHave the principles of self-determination been applied in connection with this question, and have the people there had a chance of determining on which side they should go?