§ 50. Mr. J. HARRISasked the Prime Minister if he is aware that General de Metz, writing on behalf of the Rhineland Commission, has ordered that a sum of 20,000 gold marks be paid by the Palatinate as compensation to the Separatist Helfrich for alleged damages; whether the British representative on the Rhineland Commission agreed to this fine; and, if not, whether His Majesty's Government has taken any steps in the matter?
§ Mr. PONSONBYThe infliction of a fine of 20,000 gold marks on the Palatinate as compensation to Herr Helfrich was the result of a majority decision by the Rhineland High Commission against which the British High Commissioner formally protested. An endeavour is now being made to secure a settlement of this question locally.
§ Mr. J. HARRISCan the Under-Secretary say how these damages were assessed?
§ Mr. PONSONBYI have no information.
§ Mr. P. HARRISCan the bon. Gentleman say how far General de Metz is responsible for the Rhineland Commission, and how far he acts on his own authority?
Captain BENNIs it not a fact that for two years the British representation of the Rhineland Commission has been a farce?