§ Mr. Attlee(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether he has any further statement to make on the situation in South-Eastern Europe?
§ The Prime MinisterAs regards the situation in Bohemia and Moravia, there is little to add to the summary of events which I gave the House yesterday. The occupation of these provinces by German troops appears to be proceeding systematically.
613 As regards Slovakia, I have as yet no official confirmation of the reports that parts of the country have been occupied by German troops.
As regards Ruthenia, I understand that the Ruthenian Premier broadcast a statement from Chust on the evening of 14th March, to the effect that steps had been taken to establish the independence of the province, that a provisional government had been formed and that the Ruthenian Diet would meet on 15th March. His Majesty's Minister in Budapest reported yesterday, however, that the Hungarian Government had addressed a further ultimatum to the Ruthenian Government which expired at eight o'clock last night, demanding that, in order to avoid bloodshed, their powers should be handed over to the officer commanding Hungarian troops in Ruthenia.
§ Mr. AttleeHas the Prime Minister now received reports other than newspaper reports with regard to these events? Has he received any communication from the German Government with regard to the events in Czecho-Slovakia?
§ The Prime MinisterWith regard to the first part of the question, we have received some reports. They only confirm the Press reports which I gave to the House yesterday. With regard to the second question, the British Ambassador in Berlin saw the State Secretary, but we have had no official communication from the German Government.
§ Sir Archibald SinclairHave the British Government lodged any protest with the German Government against the invasion of this territory?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir, we have not done so.
§ Sir A. SinclairIs it proposed to lodge a protest with the German Government?
§ The Prime MinisterI could not answer that question without notice.
§ Mr. ManderHas the Prime Minister received any confirmation of the report that Czecho-Slovakia has been brought within the Reich and that now all Czechs are German subjects?
§ The Prime MinisterI have heard that a proclamation has been issued, but I have not yet had any official confirmation.
§ Mr. AttleeWill everything be done to assist any refugees who may be coming from Czecho-Slovakia, those who have been the leaders, either civil or military, of the Czech people, and who may be in grave danger from these events, and for whom many people in this country will agree that we are morally responsible?
§ The Prime MinisterWithout accepting that last statement, the Government will, of course, be very glad to do any thing in their power, but I understand that there is no facility at present for any one to leave Czecho-Slovakia.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsHas the Prime Minister had any communication from Imperial Airways with regard to their airships in Prague, which apparently were not permitted to leave yesterday? As Imperial Airways receive considerable subsidies from the Treasury, are the Government taking steps to see that Imperial Airways airships are not stranded in Prague?
§ The Prime MinisterI understand that Imperial Airways have no craft in Prague.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerWill the Prime Minister represent to the German Government that any attempt to attack the lives or liberties of the leaders of the Czech people will intensify the indignation in this country at their aggression?
§ The Prime MinisterI think it wrong to assume that the German Government have any such intention.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerHas the Prime Minister not seen a report that an important official of the Foreign Office, who was a friend of President Benes, has been arrested?
§ Sir A. SinclairIs it not known that the German Government for some time have been putting strong pressure on the Czech Government to persuade them to hand over these Czechs?
§ Mr. Neil MacleanSince the Prime Minister has had so little information from the British Ambassador in Germany has he, or have the Government, any intention of withdrawing the British Diplomatic Corps from Berlin?
§ The Prime MinisterThe question as to whether the British Ambassador should be asked to return in order to report is now under consideration.
§ Sir A. SinclairIs it not known that there are a number of Czechs who came from the Sudetenland, and Germans who were originally Czech subjects in Sudetenland, for whose extradition the German Government for some time past has been strongly pressing the Czech Government, and will not the Prime Minister assure us that every effort will be made by the British Government to secure the rescue of these men whose lives are threatened?
§ The Prime MinisterIf we can take any useful steps in that direction we will do so.
Miss RathboneWill the Prime Minister consider making it known that the existing Czech passports will continue to be recognised, as was done in the case of the Austrian passports after the rape of Austria?
§ The Prime MinisterI cannot answer that question without notice.
Viscountess AstorWill the Prime Minister lose no time in letting the German Government know with what horror the whole of this country regards Germany's action?