HC Deb 06 July 1933 vol 280 cc481-2
4. Mr. MANDER

asked the Minister of Labour if he will give particulars of the decision come to at the 17th session of the International Labour Conference recently with regard to the plight of refugees from Germany and the action recommended, with a view to placing the German refugees in question in various countries without detriment to the economic welfare of those countries?

Sir H. BETTERTON

I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a copy of the resolution passed by the recent International Labour Conference on this subject.

Mr. MANDER

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the matter is to be dealt with as a question of urgency?

Sir H. BETTERTON

The resolution which I have before me contains a long preamble, but, as the operative part of it is short, perhaps I might as well read it.

The Conference invites the Governing Body to instruct the International Labour Office to undertake all the necessary studies, without interfering in internal questions touching on the national sovereignty of Germany, with a view to placing the German refugees in question in various countries without detriment to the economic welfare of those countries. I think that that will be proceeded with with all possible speed.

Mr. HANNON

Is this situation due to the Jewish persecutions?

Sir H. BETTERTON

I cannot say that. I think that it is probably true.

Mr. LANSBURY

What is meant by "probably true"?

Sir H. BETTERTON

It may or may not be true. I do not know. I was only expressing a personal opinion.

Following is the resolution: Owing to the political changes which have recently taken place in Germany, a large number of persons who can be counted by thousands have been obliged to leave the country. Under the new régime, German citizens have, for racial reasons, been either prevented from carrying out their work or deprived of their employment. Since they have thus been rendered destitute, some have already taken shelter in foreign countries whilst the others are only awaiting an opportunity of adopting a similar course. In consequence, serious repercussions are to be expected in the adjacent countries to which these refugees have found their way. The situation of the labour market, already upset in all countries, will become worse; those countries will consequently experience an increase in unemployment against which the International Labour Organisation is endeavouring to contend, Considering that the International Labour Office has already dealt in similar circumstances with the possibility of placing Russian and Armenian refugees, The Conference— Invites the Governing Body to instruct the International Labour Office to undertake all the necessary studies, without interfering in internal questions touching on the national sovereignty of Germany, with a view to placing the German refugees in question in various countries without detriment to the economic welfare of those countries, And decides to transmit this resolution to the League of Nations.