§ 11. Mr. A. Hendersonasked the Prime Minister the reason for the recent expulsion by the German Government of three British business men from Germany?
§ Mr. ButlerThe German Government have stated that this action is being taken as a reprisal for the decision taken by His Majesty's Government, of which the House was informed by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary on 6th April, to terminate the residence in this country of three persons connected with Nazi organisations here.
§ Mr. ThorneMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, if the Germans expel any more people, we can take it for granted that we shall expel a similar number of Germans from this country?
§ Mr. ButlerI cannot answer a hypothetical question.
§ Mr. A. HendersonCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the British Ambassador in Berlin is to make any representation to the German Foreign Office, and be received by the Foreign Minister?
§ Mr. ButlerThe question of further action is under consideration.
§ Lieut.-Commander FletcherHave the German Government alleged any misconduct of any sort whatever against these three gentlemen?
§ Mr. ButlerI am not aware of any misconduct on the part of these three gentlemen.
§ Mr. BellengerMay I ask whether His Majesty's Government now concur in this new era of reprisals?