HC Deb 16 November 1938 vol 341 cc848-9
8. Mr. Mander

asked the Prime Minister what action he proposes to take with reference to the demand for the return of the colonies put forward by Herr Hitler at Godesberg; and whether he will give an assurance that it is still the policy of the Government that this matter will only be considered as part of the general settlement?

The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Sir John Simon)

I would refer the hon. Member to the Prime Minister's reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Leeds, West (Mr. V. Adams) on l0th November.

Mr. Mander

Will the Chancellor of the Exchequer be good enough to give a specific answer to the latter part of my question, as to whether the Colonial problem is to be considered only as part of a general settlement?

Sir J. Simon

Statements have been made on that subject.

27. Mr. Mander

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what reply has been sent to the representations of British colonists in Tanganyika asking that the territory should not be Handed over to Germany?

The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Malcolm MacDonald)

A telegram was sent to the Governor yesterday authorising him to announce that my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister had given an answer to a question by the hon. Member for Bassetlaw (Mr. Bellenger) on the previous day to the effect that His Majesty's Government are not contemplating transfer of any territories under British administration.

Mr. Mander

Will the Minister make it clear, in view of the great anxiety among all classes of the population there at the present time, that they do not contemplate in any foreseeable period handing over territory to the bullies of Berlin?

45. Mr. Kennedy

asked the Prime Minister whether he will assure the House that in any conversations or negotiations regarding German colonial claims British influence will be used as far as possible to ensure that no change will take place which is not endorsed by a majority of the adult population of the Colonies concerned?

Sir J. Simon

As the Prime Minister indicated in reply to a supplementary question by the hon. Member for Basset-law (Mr. Bellenger) on 14th November, and as my right hon. Friend the Colonial Secretary has repeated to-day, His Majesty's Government are not contemplating the transfer of any territories under British administration. In this matter His Majesty's Government must, of course, give full attention to the views of the populations of any territory concerned.

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