HC Deb 13 February 1939 vol 343 cc1349-50
12. Mr. Bellenger

asked the Prime Minister whether any steps have been taken to safeguard the position of the Jewish minority in Danzig by any of the States signatory to the convention setting up the free city?

Mr. Butler

The position of the Jewish and other minorities in Danzig has been the constant concern of the High Commissioner for the League of Nations, who has reported from time to time to the Committee of Three appointed by the Council to follow the situation in Danzig. The High Commissioner and the Committee of Three have taken, and will continue to take, all the steps that may be possible in this connection.

Mr. Dalton

Is it not clear that no active steps whatever have been taken recently in this matter?

Mr. Butler

No, Sir. The Committee of Three and the High Commissioner have been in touch with the situation.

Mr. Wedgwood Benn

Has the right hon. Gentleman had any report from the Consul-General at Danzig showing that the Jews have been subjected to the same persecution there as in Germany?

Mr. Butler

I think there is no doubt that the constitution has been violated in that respect.