§ 17. Mr. A. Jenkinsasked the Prime Minister whether he has received any report from His Majesty's representative at Prague on the working of the Option Treaty for the exchange of populations, 1351 made between Germany and Czecho-Slovakia in pursuance of the Munich Agreement; and, if not, whether he will call for such a report?
§ Mr. ButlerAccording to information received from His Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires, it seems unlikely that the Agreement will result in any large-scale movement of population either into or out of Czecho-Slovakia. It is not possible, however, to give details of the working of the Agreement at the present stage, since the time limit for the exercise of the right of option does not expire until 29th March.
§ Mr. BennIs it not a fact that when we compelled Dr. Benes to adopt the Anglo-French plan we promised a chance of escape to Czechs left in Germany?
§ Mr. ButlerThe option agreement remains in force, but I cannot give any further information at the present time.
§ Mr. BennIs it not a fact that it expires on 29th March, and can the right hon. Gentleman say whether any Czechs have had a chance of escape under these option clauses?
§ Mr. ButlerThey all have the chance. Anybody who has the right to opt has the chance to opt under the agreement.
§ Captain P. MacdonaldIs it not a fact that Dr. Benes himself has opted to leave his country and is now in the United States of America?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerIs it not a fact that both Germans and Czechs who are in Sudetenland have not been able to opt up to the present time, and will the Government call for a special report on that question?
§ Mr. ButlerMy Noble Friend has no information to show that persons desiring to exercise the right of option which they enjoy by virtue of the agreement have been prevented from doing so.
§ Mr. BennCan the right hon. Gentleman say how many of these potential optists are already in concentration camps?
§ Mr. ButlerNo, Sir. I am not responsible for those matters.