§ 12. Lieut.-Colonel MOOREasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has yet received replies to the communications he addressed recently to the signatory Powers concerning the action to be taken in Memel; if so, what is the nature of the action proposed; and whether, in view of the unsatisfactory attitude of the Lithuanian authorities towards the German minority, he will consider suggesting on behalf of the Government the appointment of a resident high commissioner to represent the signatory Powers or the League of Nations on the spot?
§ 4. Mr. MANDERasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the present position with regard to the situation in Memel; whether any representations have recently been made by the British Government alone or in association with others; and, if so, what the result has been?
§ 11. Mr. HALL-CAINEasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now in a position to make any further statement with regard to the developments which have followed the memorandum sent to the Government of Lithuania on the subject of Memel, of which Great Britain was a joint signatory?
§ Sir J. SIMONAgreement was reached with the French and Italian Governments at Stresa that a joint communication should be presented to the Lithuanian Government on behalf of the three Powers. This communication, which has now been made, while recognising that the Lithuanian Government has encountered certain difficulties, declared that the present situation in Memel is irreconcilable with the terms of the Statute, which provides as the basis of the system of government in the territory for the existence and regular functioning of the Chamber and of a Directorate possessing its confidence. The Lithuanian Government have therefore been called upon to bring this situation to an end promptly by ensuring the constitution of such a Directorate and an early meeting of the Chamber.
§ Lieut.-Colonel MOOREWill not the right hon. Gentleman reply to the second half of my question?
§ Sir J. SIMONThe suggested appointment of a high commissioner would be a matter to be dealt with by the League.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Directorate envisaged in the Note would be a Directorate elected by the people of Memel? Would it be a Nazi body or an international body?
§ Sir J. SIMONNo doubt my right hon. and gallant Friend is acquainted with the terms of the statute. The statute provides that the Directorate that is, the administrative body, should be so appointed as to enjoy the confidence of the Diet, the elected body. That, I think, is the statute.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODThen it will not be an international body in any sense?
§ Sir J. SIMONNo.
§ Lieut.-Colonel MOOREIf my right hon. Friend will read the second part of my question again, he will see that I asked if he would consider suggesting on behalf of the Government the appointment of a high commissioner. My right hon. Friend said this was a matter for the League, but I asked if he would consider suggesting this appointment in the interests of the people of Memel.
§ Sir J. SIMONI think it would be better to await the answer of the Lithuanian Government.