HC Deb 27 February 1939 vol 344 cc883-4
8. Rear-Admiral Beamish

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the decision of the Ger man Government to exclude from Germany a very large number of citizens, including a proportion of undesirable persons; and whether he will, alone or in concert with other Powers, represent in the clearest terms to the German Government that population problems cannot be solved by transferring them to other Governments?

Mr. Butler

If my hon. and gallant Friend is referring to the emigration of Jews from Germany, this question, which requires for its solution the co-operation of the country of origin, has recently been the subject of conversations between the late Director of the Inter-Governmental Committee and the German authorities.

Rear-Admiral Beamish

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is considerable objection in this country, that at least two British Colonies have reacted against the action of the German Government, and that a Bill is being introduced in the South African Parliament?

Mr. Somerville

May I ask whether this action is not contrary to international law, and why no protest has been made?

Mr. Butler

I consider that in the interests of the refugees, a continuation of these discussions is desirable, and provision has been made therefore by the Inter-Governmental Committee.

9. Mr. Pilkington

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give a list of those countries which have agreed so far to accept refugees; and whether he will say in each case how many refugees are to be accepted and how many have already been accepted?

Mr. Butler

Paragraph 8 (b) of the resolution of the Evian Meeting of 14th July, 1938, provides that Governments participating on the Inter-Governmental Committee shall furnish details regarding such immigrants as each Government may be prepared to receive, for the Committee's strictly confidential information. I regret, therefore, that I am unable to give the information which my hon. Friend desires, but I can assure him that several substantial offers have been received and that a number of hopeful possibilities are under examination.