HC Deb 19 June 1939 vol 348 cc1785-8
9. Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

asked the Prime Minister whether there is any alteration in the decision of the Government not to recognise the legality of the German annexation of Bohemia and Moravia, and which are the Governments he is consulting concerning the representation of national interests in Bohemia and Moravia?

25. Mr. John Morgan

asked the Prime Minister what decision has been reached concerning the future representation of British interests at Prague?

Mr. Butler

His Majesty's Ambassador in Berlin has been instructed to make application to the German Government for an exequatur for a Consul-General in Prague. The practical reasons for which His Majesty's Government have taken this step were given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the Debate on 26th May. I would refer, for instance, to the importance of having an officer at Prague competent to grant visas, among others to refugees whom it is proposed to admit into this country. While, in His Majesty's Government's opinion, the step taken implies de facto recognition of the present position in Bohemia and Moravia, it does not involve any modification of the views already expressed by His Majesty's Government on this question. Before taking their decision His Majesty's Government were in communication with other interested Governments, including those of France, the United States of America, the Soviet Union and Poland.

Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

By making this application for an exequatur, have not His Majesty's Government recognised the legality of the annexation?

Mr. Butler

No, Sir. I have said that it does not involve any modification of the view of His Majesty's Government in this matter. If the hon. and gallant Gentleman will remember, His Majesty's Government have said that they regarded the original action as devoid of any basis of legality.

Mr. J. Morgan

Would there have been any objection to delay in this matter, in view of the provocative attacks on the Czechs now taking place by the Germans?

Mr. Butler

If the hon. Member will refer to a statement made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 27th May he will see that 20th June was the last date on which the exequatur could be asked for.

Mr. Eden

What action have the French Government taken in this matter? I was under the impression that there was still a Czecho-Slovakian Minister in Paris accredited to the French Government.

Mr. Butler

I am not authorised to give the opinions of the French Government.

Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

Which were the Governments that His Majesty's Government consulted in this matter?

Mr. Butler

I have said that they included the Governments of France, the United States, the Soviet Union and Poland.

Mr. Benn

Have all those Governments applied for an exequatur?

Mr. Butler

I am not in a position to answer that question.

15. Mr. Arthur Henderson

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any information as to what extent Slovakia is under the military occupation of German forces; and whether he can give any information as to the present internal situation in Slovakia?

Mr. Butler

Under Article 2 of the treaty of 23rd March, between Germany and Slovakia, German armed forces have the right at any time to erect military works and to garrison them in a zone which is defined in that Article. I understand that there have been no recent developments of special significance in Slovakia.

35. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Prime Minister whether in order to minimise popular misconceptions and to disseminate more accurate information, he will consider approaching the German and Italian Governments with a proposal to arrange or facilitate the exchange of visits between representative British, German and Italian groups who would be free to consider and discuss international problems, and, if possible, secure publication in each country of the respective viewpoints expressed in their gatherings?

Mr. Butler

Visits by private groups, particularly to and from Germany, have taken place in the past and have been encouraged by the authorities in both countries. Whilst my Noble Friend would be glad to see them extended there are certain difficulties in the proposal made by the hon. Member.

Mr. Sorensen

Would the right hon. Gentleman at least consider the matter, particularly the suggestion that there should be an opportunity for free discussion of international matters; and could he not at least introduce these principles, in the hope that there will be some response from the German nation?

Mr. Butler

Yes, Sir, my Noble Friend will give full consideration to the matter.

Sir Archibald Sinclair

If the exchange of visits between such groups is going to be organised, will the right hon. Gentleman see that it is not confined to Germany and Italy, but extended also to France, Poland and other countries?

Mr. Butler

I am glad the right hon. Gentleman has drawn the attention of the House to the importance of that aspect.

Mr. Sorensen

Would the right hon. Gentleman not agree that we have to approach this matter through international channels first?