§ 1. Mr. Gallacherasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the seizure in the port of Memel by the German authorities of quantities of timber previously sold by its Lithuanian owners to purchasers in Britain and used for the fortification of the port; that, as a consequence, serious delays have been suffered by the British traders concerned; and whether any protest has been made to the German authorities in this matter?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Butler)I cannot confirm the hon. Member's information in detail, and no protest has consequently been made. I am, however, aware that British firms trading in Memel have recently been faced with special difficulties arising out of the transfer of the territory to Germany.
§ Mr. Wedgwood BennWhat has become of the Trade Treaty which we have with Lithuania, and which was made in 1934?
§ Mr. ButlerI should require notice of that question.
§ Mr. GallacherIs it not obvious that the Germans are determined not to recognise any treaties that are made, and are not the Government prepared to do anything in order to make it clear that they will make a stand against aggression?
§ Mr. ButlerThe hon. Member's question referred to a specific case, and if he will supply details, I will do my best to inquire into it.
§ Mr. A. V. AlexanderHave any representations been made to the German Government about it?
§ Mr. ButlerAs I said in the original answer, I cannot confirm the hon. Member's information in detail, and no protest has consequently been made. I have asked the hon. Member for further details.