§ 17. Sir Arnold Wilsonasked the Prime Minister whether in view of the fact that this country effectively supported in 1918 the claim for self-determination of Czechs and Slays which led to the creation of Czechoslovakia, he will now give an assurance that this country will not lend moral or other support to the denial of a claim for self-determination by means of a plebiscite in the event of failure of negotiations between Sudeten representatives and the Czechoslovakian Government?
§ The Prime MinisterConversations are still proceeding between the parties concerned, and I should prefer for the present to hope for a successful issue to these conversations rather than to anticipate their failure.
§ Mr. DaltonIn the event of the Czechoslovakian Government making reasonable and generous proposals for the settlement of matters now under discussion, can we be assured that His Majesty's Government will support them in resisting unreasonable and excessive demands designed to break up the Czechoslovakian State?
§ The Prime MinisterWhat are reasonable and unreasonable proposals must be a matter of opinion.
§ 18. Sir A. Wilsonasked the Prime Minister whether he has yet received a copy of the text of the proposed Czechoslovak Nationalities Statute; whether he is aware that non-publication has strengthened the Sudeten desire for a plebiscite under international supervision; and what steps he proposes to take to ensure that publication takes place before this matter is brought before the League of Nations under the Minorities Clauses of which this country is joint guarantor or otherwise?
§ The Prime MinisterThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. I understand that these texts are still in process of elaboration, and that the question of publication does not for the moment arise. His Majesty's Government are closely watching the situation and are anxious that early agreement should be reached.
§ 24. Mr. R. Aclandasked the Prime Minister whether he will give an assurance to the House that His Majesty's Government will refrain from any general discussion of outstanding questions with Germany until the Czechoslovakian question has been settled?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. I do not think it would be wise to limit the freedom of action of His Majesty's Government to the extent suggested in the hon. Member's question.
§ 25. Mr. Sorensenasked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement respecting the position in Czechoslovakia and the progress towards a satisfactory solution of the Sudeten problem?
§ The Prime MinisterI have nothing at present to add to the replies which I have given to earlier questions on this subject to-day.
§ Mr. A. HendersonIs there any truth in the report emanating from German sources that there have been abnormal troop movements in Czechoslovakia in the past few days?
§ The Prime MinisterWe have heard from the Czechoslovakian Government that there is no truth in those reports.