HC Deb 08 November 1933 vol 281 cc176-7
Mr. MANDER

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has any statement to make with reference to the situation in Danzig, and the appeal made by the High Commissioner to the Council of the League of Nations?

Sir J. SIMON

Yes, Sir. I am informed that a communication has been received from the High Commissioner in which he asks the Council to deal with certain questions which may constitute a violation of the Danzig Convention. This communication is being circulated to the Council, and it will be for the Council to decide at what meeting it will deal with the question.

Mr. GODFREY NICHOLSON

Can the Foreign Secretary say when the High Commissioner vacates his post?

Sir J. SIMON

The temporary High Commissioner, Mr. Rosting has already vacated his post, some time in October, and there has been appointed a permanent new High Commissioner in the per- son of Mr. Lester, who is the permanent resident representative in Geneva of the Irish Free State. He is extremely well known at Geneva, and very highly respected, and I was very glad indeed to be able to report to the Council that he had accepted this new position.

Mr. THORNE

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the name of the country that is interfering in the situation in Danzig?

Mr. MANDER

Do I understand that it is Mr. Lester, the new High Commissioner, who has made this appeal?

Sir J. SIMON

I did not say that. I understood that the question of the hon. Member for Morpeth (Mr. G. Nicholson) was as to when the High Commissioner was going to vacate his post. A new appointment has been made, but I cannot at the moment inform the House whether this particular report has been made by Mr. Rosting or by Mr. Lester. I imagine, however, that it is Mr. Lester, because Mr. Rosting is now functus officio.