§ 81. Mr. Manderasked the Prime Minister the present position with regard to the situation in Danzig; and whether it is proposed that the High Commissioner should resume his post at that city?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Butler)The position in regard to Danzig was discussed during 210 the last session of the council by the Committee of Three appointed by the council to follow the situation in the Free City. I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT the text of the statement issued by the committee. The High Commissioner's leave of absence is not yet terminated, and I am not in a position at present to state when he will return to Danzig.
§ Following is the statement:
§ The Committee of Three appointed by the Council to follow the situation in Danzig has held two meetings. The High Commissioner, in reporting on recent events in the Free City, drew attention to decrees recently promulgated by the Senate. In the opinion of the committee certain important provisions of these decrees contravene the Constitution.
§ (2) The committee considered the desirability of proceeding at once to an examination of this irregular position, which raised the question of the obligations of the League in relation to the guarantee of the Constitution and of the functions of the High Commissioner in the Free City.
§ (3) In order to make possible a full consideration of all aspects of the problems involved, and in view of the information given to them that discussions are taking place concerning certain questions arising out of these decrees, the committee thought it advisable to defer final consideration of the position and to consider the developments in the situation at another meeting which will be held before the next session of the Council.
§ (4) In the meanwhile, the High Commissioner who is at present taking leave of absence which is due to him, will remain at the disposal of the Committee of Three through the Secretary-General.—Geneva, 19th January, 1939.