§ 4. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, with reference to the protection hitherto afforded by the League of Nations to minorities protected by the Treaties with Poland, Rumania, Hungary, etc., whether he will take steps to see that His Majesty's Government initiates a more satisfactory system, especially for minorities which have no national representation at present at Geneva?
Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONI have nothing to add to the answer I gave to the right hon. and gallant Gentleman on the 27th February last.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWill the right hon. Gentleman press for a reversion to the old tradition of this country in regard to the protection of minorities, so honour ably associated with the names of Canning, Palmerston and Gladstone?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat raises a big question of policy which cannot be debated now.
§ Mr. RILEYHas the Cabinet had recently under consideration our responsibility, along with other Powers, towards minorities under these treaties; and what is our policy in the matter?
Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONWe have carried out all our responsibilites under the minority treaties. As I pointed out on a previous occasion, the whole subject is now under the consideration of the Council of the League of Nations, and it is being discussed, I think, at the meeting to-day. I hope hon. Members will await the statement which my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary will probably make.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that we are giving the impression of handing over this traditional duty of ours to the new German Republic?