HC Deb 04 December 1934 vol 295 c1409
27. Mr. G. R. STRAUSS

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the German Government recently deprived Dr. Gustav Regler of his nationality on the grounds that he was the author of anti-German articles which have appeared in the Press and that he has signed the Saar appeal; and whether, as this is a breach of the undertaking given by Germany to the League of Nations to refrain from pressure or reprisals on any nationals in the Saar, in view of the fact that Dr. Gustav Regler is a Saarlander by birth and entitled to vote in the plebiscite, he will say what action the Government proposes to take in the matter?

Sir J. SIMON

I am aware that Dr. Regler was one of the 28 persons who were recently deprived of their German nationality, but I am not aware whether this step was decided upon by the German Government for the reasons given by the hon. Member. In any case, the forfeiture by Dr. Regler of his German nationality will not affect his right to vote at the plebiscite if he is entitled to do so, in virtue of the relevant provisions of the Saar Annex. I have no information, however, as to whether he is entitled so to vote or not. The undertaking of the German Government of the 2nd June last, to which the hon. Member refers, was given to the Chairman of the Council Committee of Three, and it is for the parties directly interested to bring the matter to his notice if they consider it appropriate to do so.