HC Deb 18 February 1924 vol 169 c1295
24. Mr. WHITE

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make to the House any statement regarding the, diplomatic relations existing between Great Britain and Lithuania; and whether there are any outstanding questions between the two countries which disturb the cordiality of relationship between them?

The PRIME MINISTER

His Majesty's Government accorded de jure recognition on 20th December, 1922, to the Lithuanian Government. The establishment of full diplomatic relations is dependent on the settlement of the Memel question, which is at present in the hands of the League of Nations, and which His Majesty's Government trust may soon be brought to a satisfactory conclusion.

Sir H. BRITTAIN

As the subject of Memel is purely a. diplomatic question, is there any reason why the Minister should not present his credentials, seeing that the relations between the two countries are cordial?

The PRIME MINISTER

That is the situation I have found. I am quite willing to consider it further, if there be any pressing need for the steps suggested by my hon. Friend being taken.