§ 16. Mr. RHYS DAVIESasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the exchange of visits between the kings of Jugoslavia, Rumania, and Bulgaria, His Majesty's Ministers in those countries have received instructions to express His Majesty's Government's views as to the terms on which peace and co-operation may be best secured in the Balkans; and whether such terms provide for the 785 application of full rights under the minority treaties for the Bulgarian minority in Jugoslavia?
§ Sir J. SIMONHis Majesty's Ministers in the countries concerned have, on my instructions, informed the Governments to which they are accredited that His Majesty's Government would welcome any pact between the Balkan States tending to general pacification and co-operation, provided that it is not directed against any other Power or Powers. It would for this reason be desirable that the terms of the Pact should, if possible, be so drafted as to secure the accession of Bulgaria. In reply to the last part of the question, provisions for the application of the minorities treaties are already contained in the treaties themselves and in the rules of procedure laid down by the Council of the League of Nations.
§ Mr. DAVIESWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that it will be very difficult to secure peace between these three countries unless there is peace between the several nationalities within each of these countries, and that particularly is that the case with Jugoslavia?
§ Sir J. SIMONI think, as a general proposition, that is undoubtedly true.
§ Mr. MABANEIs it correctly reported that the Bulgarian Pact was initialed on Saturday, with the exclusion of Bulgaria?
§ Sir J. SIMONI understand that the Pact was initialed last night, but I have not seen the text.
§ Sir AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINCan my right hon. Friend say whether the exclusion of Bulgaria was her own act, or the act of the other Powers?
§ Sir J. SIMONI should not like to give an answer to that question offhand, the importance of which I quite understand. I will gladly inform myself, if the right hon. Gentleman will put the question down again.
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINIs it not public knowledge that the Bulgarian Government was invited to join but declined to do so?
§ Sir J. SIMONI believe that that is so.