HC Deb 05 July 1937 vol 326 cc17-8
21. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any statement to make respecting conditions in Czechoslovakia; whether he is aware of propaganda designed to disintegrate that State; and whether the alleged grievances of minorities are likely to be considered by the League of Nations at an early date?

Mr. Eden

I have no general statement to make regarding conditions in Czechoslovakia. As regards the second part of the question, no State, so far as I am aware, is wholly immune from propaganda designed to disintegrate it either from within or without. A minorities petition from members of the Sudetendeutsch party in Czechoslovakia came before the appropriate organ of the League of Nations last autumn, but the matter was closed, after careful examination, in May last. So far as I am aware, no other petition dealing with the position of minorities in Czechoslovakia is at present before the League, but it is always possible for the general question of minorities to be discussed at the Assembly.

Mr. Sorensen

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a body styling itself the Slovak Council has been sending propaganda to this country regarding Czechoslovakia, and, in view of that fact, can he inform the House as to the status of this particular body?

Mr. Eden

I was not aware of it. Perhaps the hon. Member will be good enough to give me particulars.

Mr. Hannah

Are the Government responsible for all forms of propaganda?

Mr. Dalton

Is it not well known that the minorities of Czechoslovakia are much more considerately treated than any other minorities in Europe?