HC Deb 11 April 1938 vol 334 cc739-40
7. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Prime Minister whether he is now in a position to make a statement on the question of Austrian refugees receiving the protection of the League of Nations?

Mr. Butler

Yes, Sir. His Majesty's Government intend to propose that the Council of the League of Nations at its next session should consider the desirability of extending the authority of the High Commissioner for Refugees coming from Germany to cover refugees from Austria.

Sir Percy Harris

When will the next session of the Council be held? Will it be soon?

Mr. Butler

9th May.

4. Mr. T. Smith

(for Mr. Thorne) asked the Prime Minister whether the Nansen Commission, an agency of the League of Nations, is taking any steps to deal with political and racial exiles; whether the High Commissioner for Refugees from Germany is doing anything to assist them; whether he is aware that these agencies expire on 31st December of the present year and that extension of their activities must be submitted to the League of Nations before 15th May; and whether any steps are being taken by His Majesty's Government to deal with this problem?

Mr. Butler

The Nansen International Office for Refugees and the High Commissioner for Refugees from Germany are carrying out the respective tasks entrusted to them by the Assembly of the League of Nations. The mandate of these bodies expires on 31st December next, and in view of this circumstance the Council of the League has been requested by the Assembly to draw up a plan for international assistance to refugees. The matter is at present under consideration by a committee of the Council on which His Majesty's Government are represented.

Miss Wilkinson

Will the hon. Gentleman bring to the notice of his right hon. Friend the very serious position which is arising owing to the fact that a number of passports of these refugees are becoming out of date, and that they have no hope of getting any passports whatever?

Mr. Butler

If the hon. Lady will give me any information in her possession, I will certainly bring it to the notice of my right hon. Friend.

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