HC Deb 01 June 1938 vol 336 cc2020-1
26. Mr. Mander

asked the Prime Minister the exact terms of the representations recently made to the Government of Czechoslovakia with regard to the question of minorities?

The Prime Minister

No, Sir. I cannot add to my statement of 23rd May.

Mr. Mander

Can the Prime Minister give an assurance that the Czechoslovakian Government are not being asked to take any steps which, in their opinion, will endanger the security of the State?

The Prime Minister

I am not quite certain what the hon. Member means by that question. Does he mean by some other State or by us?

Mr. Mander

No, Sir. What I mean is, whether the Czechoslovakian Government are being urged to take any step which, in the opinion of the Czechoslovakian Government, would endanger the security of that State?

The Prime Minister

I can only say that we are not urging that Government to do anything of the kind.

Mr. Benn

Is it true that what appears in the "Times "—the demobilisation of the Reserves—was suggested by us?

The Prime Minister

I cannot say anything about what appears in the public Press.

Mr. Attlee

Can the Prime Minister say whether, in any representations made to the Government of Czechoslovakia, representations have been made on behalf of the minority of Germans in Czechoslovakia and their interests?

The Prime Minister

That seems to be an entirely different question, and perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will put it down.

Mr. Attlee

If the Prime Minister will look at the question on the Paper, he will see that it is dealing with the question of minorities and representations with regard to minorities, and there are minorities within minorities in that country.

The Prime Minister

As I said in the answer, I cannot add to my previous statement.

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