§ 11. Mr. Manderasked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the advisability of proposing to the Council of the League of Nations that the matters in dispute with regard to minorities in Central Europe shall be submitted to the appropriate organ of the League for action under the Covenant?
§ Mr. ButlerHis Majesty's Government do not consider it advisable to make any such proposal. The position of minorities in Central Europe is, as the hon. Member is aware, governed by different Minorities Treaties. It is already the case that matters raised in proper form under these Treaties are dealt with in accordance with the minorities procedure of the League of Nations and are considered by the appropriate organ of the League.
§ Mr. ManderWould it not be possible to raise it under Article 11 of the Covenant?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerHave the claims of the Sudeten Germans been raised in proper form under the procedure laid down by the Covenant and by the Treaty, by which Czechoslovakia is bound?
§ Mr. ButlerThe hon. Member is conversant with the machinery of the Minorities Treaties, and he knows that the initiative lies with the minorities themselves.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerI am asking whether the Sudeten Germans have asked for that international procedure to be applied?
§ Mr. ButlerI should want notice of that question.
§ Mr. McGovernAt election times.