§ 12. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Secretary of State for War what are the regulations enforced by the British Army of Occupation in the occupied territories in Germany in regard to the playing of German music generally and the German national anthem in particular; and since when has the inhibition on the German national anthem been enforced?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Sir Laming Worthington-Evans)No restrictions are enforced as regards the playing of German music generally. As regards the German national anthem, I am informed that restrictions have been imposed under decisions of the Inter-Allied Rhineland High Commission ever since the establishment of that Commission. In 1927, however, to meet representations of the German Commissioner, the Inter-Allied Commission authorised certain modifications in the previous restrictions. The present regulations are designed solely to prevent the playing of the national anthem in circumstances which might lead to incidents liable to disturb public order.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that when the German airship arrived from America the German anthem was played in a German cafe, and just because one British soldier happened to be there, though apparently he did not object, the burgomaster was arrested and hauled before a court-martial, and the bandmaster—[HON. MEMBERS: "Question!"] Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of those facts?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. and gallant Member seems to be giving all the information.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYMay I ask if the right hon. Gentleman has looked into this particular case, which has made fools of this nation?