§ 1. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the report made to the League of Nations by one of its officials, Mr. Macdonald, on the increasing hardships of refugees from Germany and of Jews in Germany; and whether His Majesty's Government have considered what this country can do to remedy the state of affairs referred to?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir Samuel Hoare)I have not seen any report such as that referred to by the right hon. and gallant Gentleman.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODMay I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman can hold out any hope that the report will be acted upon by His Majesty's Government. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the increase in the number of refugees, and, in view of the increasing seriousness of the situation, will not the Government reconsider whether there is anything they can do to improve the condition of these people?
§ Sir S. HOAREI could not possibly express any opinion until I have seen the report, which has been made to the League of Nations. I am not responsible for the report.
§ Sir PERCY HARRISWill the right hon. Gentleman make arrangements for obtaining this report so that he can form his own conclusions?
§ Sir S. HOAREAs far as I know, the report has not yet been sent to me officially.
§ 8. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the new wave of persecution in Germany; and, in view of the probability of an increase in the number of refugees, whether His Majesty's Government will take steps to get a special report from the High Commissioner for refugees appointed by the League of Nations?
§ Sir S. HOAREI am aware of the circumstances to which the right hon. Gentleman refers. It can, however, I think, safely be left to the High Commissioner for refugees to decide whether the position is such as to render it necessary for him to prepare a special report in connection with the development and fulfilment of his task.