HC Deb 21 January 1924 vol 169 cc485-6
49. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Prime Minister whether the Report of His Majesty's Consul-General at Munich of his visit of inquiry into affairs in the Palatinate is to be laid before Parliament?

Mr. McNEILL

The only Report so far received from Mr. Clive is in the form of a telegram, which I will read to the House: Having spent five days hearing views of people of every class and from every part of the Palatinate I have come to general conclusions:

  1. 1. Overwhelming mass of population are opposed to autonomous government.
  2. 2. This Government could never have come into existence without French support and would immediately be driven out if French support were withdrawn.
  3. 3. On admission of Bley, nominal head of Government, 75 per cent. of Separatists came from outside the Palatinate. These unquestionably include large element of ex-criminals, men entirely inexperienced in government.
  4. 4. Catholic and Protestant churches and official classes and majority in large towns reject idea of any separation from Bavaria.
  5. 5. A considerable element while indifferent to question of separation from Bavaria are opposed to separation from the Reich.
  6. 6. There is also a feeling amongst certain classes especially peasants and Socialist workmen in favour of Rhineland State including Palatinate, politically independent but 486 economically bound to the Reich. These people fear militarist policy of Berlin and Munich.
  7. 7. Amongst peasant and working class there is strong feeling of war weariness and desire for peace at any price.
  8. 8. Declaration of loyalty was rejected in all sections. Signatories were confined to peasant proprietor mayors of communes, many of whom signed originally without consulting their council and have now recalled adherence. Palatinate peasants in general are indifferent to politics and only want to live in peace with no risk of expulson. These people would I believe sign any declaration from any Government in order to be left in peace and signatures obtained in number of cases under threat cannot justify the assumption that majority of peasants favour autonomous government."

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his answer, may I ask him if there is any reason why we should not have a Consul at Speier, or one of the other towns in the Palatinate, especially in the state of affairs which he has read out?

Mr. McNEILL

Of course, that is a question which might arise out of the very recent events. It has not, so far, been necessary to consider it, but it may have to be considered.