HC Deb 01 April 1936 vol 310 cc1969-71
2. Mr. MANDER

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will consider the advisability of making it clear to the German Government, in any negotiations arising out of Herr Hitler's proposals concerning the colonial question, that as long as the German Government persecute their own citizens for political, religious, and racial reasons no agreement to place further human beings under their control is likely to be reached?

Mr. EDEN

I would remind the hon. Member that the Prime Minister gave an assurance on 18th December last, in reply to a question by the right hon. and gallant Gentleman the Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme (Colonel Wedgwood), that no British territory and no territory under British protection or mandate would be transferred from British sovereignty or authority without the fullest regard being had to the interests of all sections of the population in the territory concerned.

Mr. MANDER

Is it not very desirable that this matter should be clearly understood in any negotiations that may take place?

Mr. STEPHEN

Is it intended to transfer any British territory?

3. Mr. MANDER

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will inquire from the German Government why, in view of the fact that the Covenant of the League of Nations and the Kellogg Pact are permanently binding peace treaties, the proposal recently made by Herr Hitler is only for a period of 25 years; and what additional value it possesses not provided by the above-mentioned treaties?

Mr. EDEN

The hon. Member may rest assured that in any discussions with the German Government points of this kind will be carefully borne in mind.

Mr. MANDER

Is it not a fact that 25 years is a considerably shorter period than eternity?

Mr. EDEN

It is also a longer period than ten?

13. Sir PERCY HARRIS

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has yet received the alternative proposals of the German Government; and, if so, whether he can communicate them to the House?

Mr. EDEN

Herr von Ribbentrop arrived in London last night and called on the Lord Privy Seal and myself this morning, when he communicated a document on behalf of the German Government. This document is naturally undergoing careful examination, and I am not in a position to make a statement about it at present.

Mr. MANDER

When will it be published?

Mr. EDEN

I understand it is to be published this evening.

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