HC Deb 15 May 1933 vol 278 cc7-8
12. Mr. COCKS

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement regarding the results of the deliberations of the League of Nations committee which has been considering the question of the revision of the Warsaw agreement regarding the free city of Danzig?

Sir J. SIMON

This Committee reports to the Council of the League of Nations; and the results of its deliberations have not yet been communicated to His Majesty's Government as a member of the Council.

Mr. COCKS

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider, in view of the grave situation which may arise after the 28th May, recommending the despatch of a mixed League force to Danzig, and not a Polish one?

Sir J. SIMON

I could not answer that question in reply to a supplementary question.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement as to the present situation in Danzig, and what action His Majesty's Government propose to take?

Sir J. SIMON

I had an opportunity of discussing the general situation in Danzig with the League of Nations' High Commissioner a short time ago. [have no information regarding the most recent events beyond what appears in the Press, and I cannot make any statement at present.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman will consider sending a British warship to Danzig? Also whether he will consider the acceptance by this country of a mandate for the last free city of what was Germany?

Sir J. SIMON

No question of a mandate, I think, arises under the constitution of the free city of Danzig. It takes more than one party to make a mandate. I understand that a visit of one of His Majesty's ships to Danzig has been arranged for at the end of June, forming part of the normal summer cruise. I see no reason to send one of His Majesty's ships earlier.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Is it not desirable in the interests of policy generally that that visit to Danzig should be anticipated, so that the ship may be there in time for the revolutionary elections which are expected?

Mr. HANNON

Is it not the fact that the High Commissioner of Danzig has made a statement to the effect that no illegality has taken place?

Sir J. SIMON

I have read a statement in the Press to that effect, and I may tell the House that when I saw the High Commissioner a week or two ago he deprecated the alarmist reports which had been circulated as to the possibility of serious disorders arising in the free city during the elections, and I am sure that we all hope that his view may turn out to be accurate.