HC Deb 06 April 1938 vol 334 cc319-20
4. Mr. David Adams

asked the Prime Minister whether he will obtain from His Majesty's Representative at Bucharest information regarding the treatment of the Jewish minority by the present Rumanian Government; and how far it is in conformity with the principles of the Minorities Treaty of which His Majesty's Government is a guarantor?

Mr. Butler

This is a subject upon which His Majesty's Representative would under standing instructions report to my Noble Friend in due course; but it will be appreciated that, as the new Rumanian Government only took office on the evening of 3oth March, it is as yet a little early to obtain information as to their intentions in this matter. The second part of the question does not, therefore, yet arise.

Mr. Adams

Will the Minister supply the information asked for in the second part of the question in due course, or shall I put down another question?

Mr. Butler

I think the hon. Member had better wait and put down another question later.

Mr. Thorne

Is it not true to say that the Assembly of the League pledged themselves to look after the minority in every European country?

11. Mr. Mander

asked the Prime Minister what action the British Government are taking, as a signatory to minority treaties, in connection with the treatment of Jews in Rumania; whether it is proposed to take any step to bring the matter before the Permanent Court of International Justice; and whether, in particular, in the case of Bessarabia, the transfer of which to Rumania was approved by the Ambassadors Conference on 20th October, 1920, and ratified by Great Britain, he is taking any action other than through the League of Nations?

Mr. Butler

As regards the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by the late Foreign Secretary to the right hon. and gallant Gentleman the Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme (Colonel Wedgwood) on 14th February last. As regards the second part of the question, I do not consider that the step referred to by the hon. Member would in present circumstances lead to useful results. As regards the third part of the question, the treaty between the Principal Allied Powers and Rumania respecting Bessarabia of 28th October, 1920, is not in force. It would, however, add nothing to the rights of His Majesty's Government as a signatory of the Minorities Treaty with Rumania.

Mr. Mander

Is it the case that the British Government are taking certain steps in accordance with their treaty rights to secure better treatment for the Jews in. Rumania?

Mr. Butler

It is for any minority which feels itself suffering an injustice to make an appeal to the League, and the machinery of the League would then operate.

Mr. Mander

Is it not the case that quite apart from the League we have treaty obligations, as indicated in this question?

Mr. Butler

We have certain rights under the Minorities Treaty to which I have referred.