§ 11. Mr. Cocksasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the military preparations taking place in Danzig constitute a breach of Article 5 of the Statute governing the constitution of the Free City; whether the Government propose to take any action in the matter; and whether he can make a statement on the recent developments in the situation in Danzig?
§ Mr. ButlerCertain of the military preparations which have been reported would appear to constitute a breach of this article of the Danzig statute. As the Prime Minister stated on 3rd July, His Majesty's Government are keeping in touch with the Polish and French Governments regarding all aspects of the Danzig situation. As regards the last part of the question, I have nothing to add to the Prime Minister's statement on 3rd July.
§ Mr. CocksCon the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Government propose to make a joint demarche with France and Poland on the position?
§ Mr. ButlerAt present we are in touch with these Governments on all aspects of the question, and I cannot say more at the moment.
§ 12. Mr. Cocksasked the Prime Minister whether the announced policy of the Government that this country will use at once the whole of its strength in fulfilment of its pledges to resist further aggression, covers the case of an attempt to bring about a forcible change in the status of Danzig?
§ Mr. ButlerI would refer the hon. Member to the terms of our pledge to Poland which Great Britain will certainly fulfil.
§ Mr. CocksCan the Minister say at least that if the Poles regard any such action in Danzig as an act of aggression we shall be immediately at her side with all our forces?
§ Mr. ButlerThe hon. Member will remember that the terms of the guarantee we gave to Poland were directed to a clear threat to her independence.
47. Mr. V. Adamsasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the illegal proceedings as to the importations of munitions and armed men into the Free City of Danzig, he will take steps, while there is time, to impress upon the German Government the determination of the British people by some physical action such as the mobilisation of the Fleet?
§ The Prime MinisterHis Majesty's Government will not fail to take any steps which may seem to them necessary or desirable to make their attitude absolutely clear, but this has already been stated with precision in recent speeches by Ministers.
Mr. AdamsDid not similar action to that which I have suggested in the question have some considerable effect last autumn?
§ Mr. ThurtleWill the Prime Minister consider, as further action, the question of strengthening the Cabinet to impress upon the German Government their determination?
§ Mr. GallacherWhy do the Government not pack up?
§ Mr. ManderCannot the Prime Minister do something rather better than the broadcast he gave last Sunday night?