HC Deb 20 October 1932 vol 269 cc325-6
73. Mr. RHYS DAVIES

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the provisions of the Treaty of Saint Germain, dated 10th September, 1919, are not being implemented by the Belgrade Government; that the Croatian nation, numbering over 3,000,000 people, have lost their national political, and personal rights; and whether, in view of the fact that the British Government was a party to the Treaty, he will draw the attention of the League of Nations to the violation of the Treaty and call for amends in this connection?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Eden)

I presume that the hon. Member refers to Chapter I of the Treaty of 1919 which safeguards racial, religious and linguistic minorities in Yugoslavia. It is doubtful whether any of the provisions in this Treaty could be held to cover the situation which the hon. Member alleges exists in Yugoslavia. Nor does my right hon. Friend consider that the circumstances warrant the intervention of the League of Nations with the object of altering the internal administration and political system of a member State, or indeed that the interests of any class of Yugoslav nationals would be served thereby.

Mr. DAVIES

Is the Under-Secretary aware that there have been serious disturbances in this part of Europe during the last few weeks, consequent upon the claim of the Croats being suppressed by the Belgrade Government? Are the Government going to do nothing at all to try and relieve the situation?

Mr. EDEN

It may be that there have been disturbances, but the Croats are not a minority under the terms of the Treaty, and, therefore, it is a domestic matter.

Mr. MICHAEL BEAUMONT

Is my hon. Friend aware that this is not a matter which is confined to the Croats, but is common to all minorities in Central Europe?

Mr. EDEN

That may be so, but it does not necessarily invest His Majesty's Government with responsibility.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

In view of a doubt as to whether the Croats are a minority, is it not possible to obtain a report on the state of affairs in this part of Europe?

Mr. EDEN

I will consider that, but I do not think that there is any doubt in the matter.