HC Deb 28 July 1933 vol 280 cc2956-7
20. Mr. JANNER

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps have been taken by the German Government to stop the discriminatory action against the Jews in Upper Silesia, as outlined in the Bernheim petition to the League of Nations?

Mr. EDEN

The German representative on the Council of the League of Nations informed the Council on the 26th May and again on the 6th June that German internal legislation could in no case affect the fulfilment of international obligations in this matter. He added that if any infringements of the Convention had taken place, they must be regarded as errors due to misconstructions of the German internal laws by subordinate authorities and would be corrected. The Council took note of this statement and expressed the hope that the German Government would keep it or its Rapporteur informed of the decisions and measures taken in this connection.

Mr. JANNER

Is the hon. Member aware that the Press in Upper Silesia is advocating, by terrorist methods, the suppression of Jewish people in that territory, and does he know whether any definite steps have been taken by the German Government to carry into effect the undertaking that they gave?

Mr. EDEN

I have no information as to the action taken by the German Government, but I have no doubt that the Rapporteur has been kept informed, in accordance with the terms of the Convention.

Mr. JANNER

In view of the seriousness of the position, will the hon. Gentleman assure the House that he will make inquiries into the matter?

Mr. EDEN

I am willing to make inquiries of the Rapporteur.