HC Deb 20 January 1937 vol 319 c174
5. Mr. Mander

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any statement to make with reference to the present position in Danzig?

8. Mr. James Griffiths

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement as to the present position in Danzig?

Viscount Cranborne

The negotiations between the Polish Government and the Government of the Free City of Danzig, which the former undertook in execution of the mandate entrusted to them by the Council of the League at its meeting in September, has been concluded. The Polish Government will present to the Council at its forthcoming meeting a report on the outcome of these negotiations. It is anticipated that the question of appointing a successor to the present League High Commissioner will be considered at the same meeting.

Mr. Griffiths

Does the Noble Lord not realise that in the meantime people are being imprisoned for exercising the right that is given to them under the Danzig constitution?

Viscount Cranborne

I quite realise the anxieties felt with regard to Danzig, but it is impossible for me to make any further statement to-day pending the consideration of the report by the League.

Mr. Bellenger

Can the Noble Lord say whether the status of Danzig as a free port will remain?

Viscount Cranborne

I have said that the whole subject is to be considered by the Council this week, and I think the hon. Member cannot expect me to say anything further to-day. We have only to wait a week in order to see what is the report to the Council.

Mr. Bellenger

Will the status of Danzig be considered by the Committee?

Viscount Cranborne

That is a question for the League.

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