HC Deb 21 December 1938 vol 342 cc2853-4
15. Mr. Riley

asked the Prime Minister whether the status of refugees coming from Germany, as defined in the Convention of the League of Nations on 10th February, 1938, and ratified by His Majesty's Government, is applicable to refugees from the former Republic of Austria, now incorporated in Germany?

Mr. Butler

The question of the applicability to refugees from Austria of the Convention signed at Geneva on 10th February, 1938, has been under consideration by the League of Nations. His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom, who are themselves already applying the Convention to refugees from Austria, have put forward a draft Protocol making it clear that the provisions both of the Provisional Arrangement signed at Geneva on 4th July, 1936, and of the Convention of 10th February, 1938, shall be interpreted as applicable to such refugees. At the request of the League of Nations High Commissioner for Refugees coming from Germany, the Secretary-General of the League has circulated this draft Protocol to the Governments concerned for their observations.

Mr. Riley

Has any reply been received from other countries?

Mr. Butler

I think not yet, and that is why I cannot give a final answer.