HC Deb 14 March 1939 vol 345 cc221-4
78. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the apprehension existing concerning the imminent possibility of further alterations of the frontiers of Czecho-Slovakia; and what action he is taking in the matter?

The Prime Minister

I would ask the hon. Member to await the statement on the Slovak situation which I shall be making after Questions.

Later:

Mr. Attlee

(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make in regard to the position in Slovakia.

Mr. H. G. Williams

On a point of Order. When the hon. Member for West Leyton (Mr. Sorensen) asked Question No. 78 the Prime Minister stated that he proposed to make a statement at the end of Questions, and, in these circumstances, is not the Private Notice question of the Leader of the Opposition out of order, on the ground that it is anticipated by a question already on the Paper?

Mr. Speaker

The question on the Paper asks what action is going to be taken.

The Prime Minister

According to information received from His Majesty's Minister at Prague, the situation still remains outwardly calm in Bratislava, although there have been a number of further clashes with members of the German minority in other parts of Czechoslovakia. Dr. Tiso, the former Slovak Premier, accompanied by Herr Karmasin, the leader of the German minority in Slovakia, flew to Berlin yesterday at the invitation of the German Government and Dr. Tiso was received by Herr Hitler. I have, however, no information as to the nature of the discussions which took place. An official communiqué published in Prague this morning announced that the Slovak Diet had been summoned by the President of the Republic to meet at Bratislava at 10 a.m. to-day. According to the communiqué this action was taken by the President at the request of the new Slovak Premier, Dr. Sidor, a similar request having been made by Dr. Tiso. Dr. Tiso returned to Bratislava to-day to take part in the session.

I have not yet received official confirmation of the most recent Press reports. These are that the Czecho-Slovak Government has resigned, that the independence of Slovakia was proclaimed early this afternoon at the conclusion of the session of the Diet, and that a Government under Dr. Tiso had been constituted.

Mr. Attlee

May I ask the Prime Minister what action His Majesty's Government have taken, in view of the guarantee given with regard to the territorial integrity of Czecho-Slovakia, to consult with the other States, guarantors of that agreement, and with the Government of Czecho-Slovakia, in the light of the present situation?

The Prime Minister

The question of any action has not yet arisen.

Mr. Attlee

Is it not clear that influences are being brought to bear to separate Slovakia from the rest of Czecho-Slovakia, and are not the Government bound by their guarantee under the Munich Agreement to have a very close interest in anything which concerns the integrity of the remainder of the Czechoslovak State?

The Prime Minister

Without full information, I should not like to express an opinion upon the first point which was raised by the right hon. Gentleman. Assuming it is be true, that would not be a ground for bringing into force the guarantee.

Sir A. Sinclair

Do His Majesty's Government still regard themselves under a moral obligation in regard to the guarantee?

The Prime Minister

The position has not undergone any change.

Mr. Benn

May I ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has considered the position of the guaranteed loan in view of the break up of Czecho-Slovakia; and who is going to pay back the £6,000,000 which he issued without Parliamentary authority?

Mr. Attlee

Does the Prime Minister say that the Government are merely awaiting for a fait accompli, and have they taken any steps to have any consultation with the representatives of the Czecho-Slovak Government or with the French Government or any other guarantor, seeing that there are rumours and implications, which can hardly be disregarded altogether, of a possible break up of Czecho-Slovakia, which this country has guaranteed?

The Prime Minister

I am not sure what the right hon. Gentleman thinks that we should do. I might remind him that the proposed guarantee is one against unprovoked aggression on Czecho-Slovakia. No such aggression has yet taken place.

Mr. Attlee

Are we to take any steps at all, or are we to understand from the right hon. Gentleman's reply that this Government is wholly disinterested now in the fate of Czecho-Slovakia?

The Prime Minister

That would be an altogether unwarranted assumption.

Miss Wilkinson

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is unprovoked aggression if a friendly State sends propagandists into another country in order to provoke secession?

The Prime Minister rose—

Miss Wilkinson

On a point of Order. On a matter of this importance, when the Prime Minister rises to answer a perfectly legitimate supplementary question, is it to be ruled out of order by your rising, Mr. Speaker?

Mr. Speaker

I am the judge as to whether a question is in order or not.

Miss Wilkinson

May I register my emphatic protest?