HC Deb 17 March 1939 vol 345 cc785-7
Mr. Attlee

(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make on the situation in Czecho-Slovakia?

The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Sir John Simon)

Herr Hitler issued a decree from Prague yesterday setting out the future constitution of Bohemia and Moravia. The main points of this decree have been published, and I need not recapitulate them. Former Czecho-Slovak territory is now stated to belong to the German Reich, and comes under its protection under the title of Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia. Dr. Tiso, the Slovak Premier, has requested Herr Hitler to assume the protectorate over Slovakia. The Hungarian Prime Minister yesterday announced that anarchy in Ruthenia had made it necessary in the interests of the Hungarian and Ruthenian peoples to take certain military and political steps. In response to requests from Ruthenia, the Hungarian Government were occupying the whole of the country.

Mr. Attlee

Have the Government now had any official communiqué from the German Government with regard to their action in Czecho-Slovakia?

Sir J. Simon

The Foreign Secretary saw the German Ambassador. The German Ambassador came to give him the official information. I may add that we are in communication with the French Government on the subject. I cannot at the moment give more details than that.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Have the Government made any protest to Berlin with regard to this act of aggression?

Sir J. Simon

That is one of the matters on which we are in communication with the French Government.

Mr. Attlee

Have His Majesty's Government expressed to the German Ambassador the anxiety of many people in this country with regard to the safety of the leaders of the Czech nation?

Sir J. Simon

I cannot give a precise answer to that question, because I have not seen the details of the conversation, but I cannot doubt that that is a matter which is well understood.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Will the Government bear in mind that they will have universal support in this House and in the country if they represent to Berlin that such acts of aggression render impossible normal relations of friendship and good faith between Germany and the civilised nations of the world?

Mr. Gordon Macdonald

May I ask, in view of the very serious position, whether the British Government are in touch with the Russian Government?

Sir J. Simon

The information I was able to give to the House, which is specific, is that we are in communication with the French Government. I am not at the moment informed with regard to any other Government.

Mr. Ede

Have the Government taken any decision with regard to the position of the British Ambassador in Berlin? Is he being recalled, either to report or permanently?

Sir J. Simon

That subject is specifically under urgent consideration.