HC Deb 31 July 1939 vol 350 cc1920-1
9. Sir William Davison

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the expressed desire of the German Government to secure the removal of all Jews from Germany, he will make inquiries from the German Government whether, in order to facilitate this object, they will be prepared to hand over to an international commission all appropriated property belonging to Jewish refugees from Germany to meet the heavy expenditure incidental to finding a new home for German Jews outside the Reich?

The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Butler)

The Director of the Inter-Governmental Committee for Refugees is charged with the task of undertaking negotiations to improve the conditions of the emigration of refugees. The use of Jewish wealth in Germany to facilitate the emigration of refugees is the subject of discussion between the Director of the Committee and the German authorities. In the circumstances additional inquiries are hardly necessary.

Sir W. Davison

Would my right hon. Friend ask Dr. Goebbels to deal with this matter in his next circular to British golf clubs?

22. Mr. Edmund Harvey

asked the Prime Minister whether he can communicate any recent information received from the British Diplomatic and Consular Officers in Poland as to the position of refugees from Czecho-Slovakia desiring to receive visas or transit visas for Great Britain; and, as there is still danger that some of these refugees may be compelled to return to territory now under German control, will he take further steps to expedite visas?

Mr. Butler

My Noble Friend has received no very recent reports on the position of refugees from Czecho-Slovakia in Poland. But I can assure the hon. Member that this question is being given close attention by the Departments concerned, and that any applications made on behalf of such refugees will continue to receive sympathetic consideration.

Mr. Harvey

Could not the right hon. Gentleman communicate with the trustees of the Czech Refugee Fund in order that they might give attention to the very urgent need of these refugees?

Mr. Butler

Certainly, I would consider making any contact which the hon. Member desires, and perhaps he will give me any information in his possession.

Miss Rathbone

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the difficulty is largely financial, and that the £4,000,000 gift did not sufficiently cover several thousand seriously endangered people in Poland and protectorates; and cannot the Government see their way, in view of the obligation to Czecho-Slovakia, to provide further financial means?

Mr. Butler

I am aware of this difficulty.