HC Deb 19 July 1939 vol 350 cc369-71
2. Mr. Mander

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the advisability of proposing that the Council of the League of Nations be immediately summoned under Article II of the Covenant; that in accordance with Article 5 of the Danzig constitution, prohibiting the use of Danzig as a military or naval base or the erection of fortifications without the previous consent of the League, and Article 42, the Senate of Danzig be required to furnish forthwith official information as to the alleged violations of Article 5 of the constitution; and further, that in accordance with the resolution of the League of Nations' Council, of 17th November, 1920, the Council should establish an international police force in order to protect Danzig against aggression and, in accordance with its resolution on 22nd June, 1921, should instruct the High Commissioner in Danzig to invite Poland to collaborate in its defence?

Mr. Butler

In reply to the first part of the question I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. and gallant Member for South East Leeds (Major Milner) on 12th July. The task of obtaining information from the Senate is, by the report adopted by the Council on 27th January, 1937, entrusted to the High Commissioner of the League of Nations in Danzig. The texts of the resolutions referred to by the hon. Member in the last part do not appear to support the interpretations which he seeks to place upon them.

Mr. Mander

Will the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to consider the advisability of sending a detachment of British and French troops to the neighbourhood of Danzig, in order to make clear our determination to stand firm?

3. Mr. Mander

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make inquiries and inform the House whether heavy artillery capable of threatening Gdynia has been imported into Danzig by Germany contrary to Statute?

Mr. Butler

The information in my Noble Friend's possession does not confirm any such report.

Mr. Mander

Are the Government satisfied that no artillery of this kind has yet arrived, and if it is sent will they regard it as an act of aggression, to be resisted?

Mr. Butler

I have been asked to answer the question on the Order Paper, and I have given the hon. Member the information in my possession.

9. Mr. Arthur Henderson

asked the Prime Minister whether the provisions of Article 10 of the League Covenant whereby the territorial integrity and political independence of all member States of the League of Nations is to be maintained, applies to Danzig; whether the resolution passed by the League Council of November, 1920, entrusting the defence of the Free City to the Polish Government if the circumstances warrant it, is still in force; and whether it is the policy of His Majesty's Government that Polish resistance to German aggression against Danzig should be considered as action taken to protect the Covenant of the League of Nations?

Mr. Butler

Danzig is not a separate member of the League of Nations and the provisions of Article 10 are not therefore applicable. The operative resolution of the Council concerning the defence of Danzig is that of 18th June, 1921. The last part of the hon. Member's question is hypothetical, but he may rest assured that the policy of His Majesty's Government is to act in accordance with the principles of the Covenant.

Mr. Henderson

May I ask whether in view of the situation His Majesty's Government propose to raise the situation in Danzig at the forthcoming meeting of the League Council?

Mr. Butler

As I have explained previously, the League Council has appointed a committee of three to follow the situation, and they are doing so.