20. Mr. V. Adamsasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that, owing to a recent decree, the Jews in Berlin are unable to proceed along the Wilhelm-strasse to His Majesty's Embassy and Consulate-General in order to obtain visas which shall enable them to enter this country; and whether His Majesty's Government will open a temporary consulate in the Alexanderplatz district?
§ Mr. ButlerI am informed that a police decree became effective on 6th December which prohibits German and stateless Jews from entering certain thoroughfares, including that part of the Wilhelmstrasse in which the British Embassy is situated. Visas are, however, granted at the Passport Control Office which, with the Consulate-General, is situated in the Tiergartenstrasse, in respect of which there is no such prohibition. The second part of the question does not, therefore, arise.
§ 22. Mr. Sorensenasked the Prime Minister what communications have recently passed between His Majesty's Government and the German Government with regard to facilities for the emigration of Jews; and, in particular, with regard to financial facilities?
§ Mr. ButlerHis Majesty's Government have from time to time been in communication with the German Government regarding the initiation of discus- 1973 sions between the German authorities and the Director of the Inter-Governmental Committee concerning the question of emigration from Germany. No definite reply has yet been received.
§ Mr. SorensenAre we to assume, therefore, that a newspaper report to the effect that financial facilities were being considered by the German Government is incorrect?
§ Mr. ButlerNo, Sir, I would not like to go as far as that, but I would repeat what I said in the original answer, that we are in touch with them, and that no definite reply has yet been received.
§ Mr. ManderHas the visit of Dr. Schacht to this country any connection with this matter?
§ Mr. SorensenMay I ask the hon. Gentleman whether the conversations and communications to which he refers also include financial matters?
§ Mr. ButlerI would not like to exclude anything, but I regret that I cannot go into any further details at this stage.
§ Mr. LoganWill it be possible for the Government to take ail cases of maternity where children are likely to be born in Germany of Jewish mothers and bring them to this country as in the Neumann case last week?
§ Mr. ManderIs it the fact that Dr. Schacht is making a visit to this country in connection with this matter?
§ Mr. ButlerAs I have said, I cannot give any further details on this matter.