HC Deb 15 July 1929 vol 230 cc10-1
12. Mr. MANDER

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is intended at the forthcoming International Conference on Reparations and other subjects to discuss the possibility of the restoration to Germany of the Saar Basin?

16. Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the contention that the Saar question cannot be discussed, pending the decision on the Young Report, has been conveyed to His Majesty's Government from Paris; and whether His Majesty's Government acquiesce in this contention?

Mr. A. HENDERSON

The German Government have indicated their intention of raising this question at the Conference, but I would remind the hon. Member that it is quite distinct from the two main problems with which the Conference is called on to deal—reparations, and the evacuation of the Rhineland.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

In connection with question 16, may I ask whether His Majesty's Government have received any information from Paris as to whether the French Government would permit this matter to be discussed?

Mr. HENDERSON

I would not be correct in saying that we have no information on the point, but I cannot add to the reply which I have given, that it is not one of the subjects which will have to be raised definitely at the Conference.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Then we are to understand that His Majesty's Government definitely take the point of view of the French Government in refusing to allow the Saar question to be raised at this Conference?

Mr. HENDERSON

My right hon. and gallant Friend must not come to those conclusions. I have never suggested such a thing, and, what is more, His Majesty's Government would not prevent the Germans raising the question of the Saar at the Conference.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

But are we to understand that, if it is raised by the Germans, His Majesty's Government will say that it is not a question which can be raised at that Conference?

Mr. HENDERSON

I think I shall have to ask my right hon. and gallant Friend to await our attitude at the Conference.

20. Colonel HOWARD-BURY

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it has yet been decided where the reparations conference will be held in August?

Mr. A. HENDERSON

No, Sir, no decision has yet been reached.

Colonel HOWARD-BURY

Would it not be better to have this Conference in some neutral country, where there can be no objections?

Mr. HENDERSON

I should have thought that every hon. Member would be anxious for us to have it at home.