§ Captain SIDNEY HERBERT(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has been informed that the German Government have issued orders for the laying down of a number of submarine vessels, and for the reopening of the submarine school at Kiel; if so, what steps he proposes to take in view of this further flagrant violation by the German Government of the Treaty of Versailles?
§ Sir J. SIMONThe German Government have intimated that orders have been given for the construction of 12 250-ton submarines. The matter is now under consideration. No such official intimation has been made regarding the submarine school at Kiel.
§ Sir AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINWhen was this intimation made to His Majesty's Government?
§ Sir J. SIMONI have not the actual date before me, but I think I am right in saying that it was 25th April.
§ Captain HERBERTMay I ask whether His Majesty's Government propose to take immediate steps to bring to the notice of the League of Nations this further violation of the Treaty of Versailles, and whether it is proposed to go on with the arrangement already made for naval conversations to be held next month between His Majesty's Government and the German Government?
§ Sir J. SIMONI have already said that, as the gravity of the matter 34 obviously requires, the matter is now under consideration. I do not think my hon. and gallant Friend will press me to give a further answer to-day.
§ Captain P. MACDONALDHas the right hon. Gentleman been informed, as the Press has informed the public, that the submarine school at Kiel has been definitely opened, and ex-submarine officers have been called up for duty?
§ Sir J. SIMONIf my hon. and gallant Friend will refer to the latter part of my answer, he will see that I stated that no such official intimation had been made in regard to the submarine school.
§ Captain MACDONALDWill the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries about it?
§ Mr. THORNEDoes this not show that in the conversations which the right hon. Gentleman had with comrade Hitler, the right hon. Gentleman was not told the whole truth?
§ Captain HERBERTDoes not the express intention of the German Government to start afresh the building of submarines constitute a proof—if indeed proof were needed—that German rearmament is principally directed against this country?
Mr. VYVYAN ADAMSBefore it may be too late, will the right hon. Gentleman try to concert with the Stresa Powers and if possible with Russia—[HON. MEMBERS: "Why Russia?"] I repeat, if possible with Russia—measures to check this one-sided, dangerous and persistent repudiation of treaties?