HC Deb 01 May 1933 vol 277 cc487-8
16. Mr. COCKS

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has accepted the protest from the German Government relating to speeches delivered in the House of Commons on 13th April; and, if so, what was the nature of his reply?

Mr. BALDWIN

The German Chargé d'Affaires orally informed the Acting Permanent Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on 15th April that he was instructed by the German Government to state their concern at the Foreign Secretary's speech in the House of Com- mons on 13th April, more especially because my right hon. Friend had associated himself with the other speakers instead of repudiating their statements. No comment was made on this statement at the time, and my right hon. Friend does not consider that it calls for action on his part.

Mr. COCKS

Why did the Foreign Minister not refuse to accept this communication? Why did he not inform the German Government that they cannot treat the House of Commons as they did the Reichstag?

Mr. BALDWIN

Because I think that it is possible sometimes to exaggerate the importance of such matters.

Mr. HANNON

What right have the German Government to make representations to our Government on the speeches that take place in this House?