§ 7. Lieut.-Colonel MOOREasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the fact that on Friday and Saturday last further Hungarian refugees were deported from Yugoslavia; and, in view of the recent agreement, whether His Majesty's Government propose to take any action in the matter?
§ Sir J. SIMONI think my hon. and gallant Friend can be satisfied that mass expulsions definitely ceased more than a week ago, and though a limited number of deportations would seem to have taken place since for reasons which cannot be stated with certainty the majority of them are the result of the normal application of the Yugoslav aliens regulations.
§ Lieut.-Colonel MOORECan the right hon. Gentleman say whether these unfortunate people are ex-Hungarians or Yugoslavians; and if they have become Yuglosalvians through the Treaty of Trianon, whether it is constitutionally correct for a country to deport its own nationals?
§ Sir J. SIMONMy information is that the individuals in question are not Yugoslav subjects, but of course I cannot assert with confidence that fact in regard to every case. I am having inquiries made into the whole subject.
§ Mr. MOREINGIs it not the fact that the Yugoslav Government are in friendly relations with this country, and acted as our allies during the last War? Is it not undesirable that questions should be asked in this House making reflections on Yugoslavia?
§ Sir J. SIMONI do not altogether agree with the hon. Member. It is important that such questions should be couched in moderate terms because we desire to maintain friendly relations with everybody, but these expulsions have naturally attracted notice here, and His 1130 Majesty's Government, without going beyond their proper functions, are doing what they can to restore good feeling between the two countries.