HC Deb 06 July 1938 vol 338 c358
15. Mr. Mander

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make with reference to the position in Memel and recent disturbed conditions there?

Mr. Butler

His Majesty's ChargÉ d'Affaires at Kovno, who has just returned from a visit to Memel, reports that somewhat serious rioting took place at the port on 20th June and again on 28th June, when demonstrations by German Memellanders on the arrival of German steamers were followed by clashes between them and Lithuanians, resulting on the latter occasion in the death of one Lithuanian and the wounding of others by the autonomous police. Mr. Preston is satisfied, however, that both the Lithuanian and the autonomous authorities are alive to the necessity of preventing a recurrence of such incidents; and I have reason to hope that the situation, which had been generally quiet and satisfactory before the incidents took place, will now return to normal.

Mr. Mander

Is there any reason to suppose that the Lithuanian Government and the Government in Memel have in any way failed to carry out their obligations under the Statute?

Mr. Butler

I should require notice of that question.