17. Marquess of Clydesdaleasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that the South Tyrol is the only place in Europe where frontier revision provides a simple solution of the racial problem, but that Herr Hitler apparently prefers settling this problem by a scheme to remove the German population from their land, he will take steps to obtain detailed information regarding this scheme with a view to the application of similar principles in the case of other German demands?
§ Mr. ButlerHis Majesty's representatives in Germany and Italy are reporting on developments in the plan for dealing with the problem of the South Tyrol. Full details are not yet available, but His Majesty's Government will bear in mind the possible applicability of these principles to other areas.
Marquess of ClydesdaleHas the right hon. Gentleman, on his present information, any reason to suppose that Herr Hitler would prefer war rather than settle his other demands by a similar scheme of the kind in operation in South Tyrol? Moreover, does he think that Herr Hitler and Signor Mussolini have initiated a new principle of settling racial problems by negotiation rather than war; or, on the other hand, in view of the fact that the South Tyrol is inhabited by about the oldest German population, is Herr Hitler merely for the sake of expediency acting as treacherously to his own people as he acted to the Prime Minister at Munich?
§ Mr. ButlerI am afraid that I cannot answer for Herr Hitler. Hon. Members must draw their own deductions.
§ Mr. GallacherIs it not the case that the South Tyroleans refuse to be moved?