HC Deb 20 March 1929 vol 226 cc1712-3
2. Sir ROBERT THOMAS

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, in view of the importance of the minorities question, whether the British Government would support a proposal for the establishment of a permanent minorities commission of the League of Nations, analogous to the Mandates Commission?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on the 13th of February last to the hon. Member for Northampton (Mr. Malone).

Mr. RILEY

Has any special committee been set up to consider the best methods of dealing with this problem; and, if so, have the British Government any representative upon that committee?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

The Council at its last meeting appointed the representative of Japan, Viscount Ishii, as rapporteur and associated with him two other members of the Council, including a British representative to present a report on the whole subject at the June meeting of the Council.

Sir R. THOMAS

Is the right hon. Gentleman correct in saying that the hon. Member for Northampton asked whether a permanent minorities commission would be appointed?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

Yes, Sir. The hon. Member asked specifically whether the representative of His Majesty's Government on the Council would support and, if needful, himself bring forward again the proposal which was made at the last Assembly of the League, that a permanent minorities commission should be created.

Sir R. THOMAS

I apologise.

Mr. NOEL BUXTON

In connection with the increased publicity which the Foreign Secretary advocates for the grievances of minorities, is there any method of bringing it about as efficient as that of a commission?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

I do not wish to appear unwilling to answer questions in this House, but the right hon. Gentleman will see that I am in a position of some difficulty, as I have been asked with two of my colleagues on the Council to present a report to the Council on the whole subject. In those circumstances, I should be glad to avoid expressing an individual opinion before I have consulted with them.