HC Deb 10 May 1939 vol 347 cc445-7
1. Mr. Mander

asked the Prime Minister whether, during the visits of the Polish and Rumanian foreign ministers to this country, any discussions took place with regard to increased facilities for Jewish emigration from these countries, in relation in particular to Palestine; and with what results?

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

As regards the discussions with Monsieur Beck on this subject, I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the communique issued on 6th April. Similar conversations took place with Monsieur Gafencu, but in neither case did the discussions cover Jewish emigration to Palestine.

Mr. Mander

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether an assurance was given to these foreign Ministers that facilities would be granted for increasing Jewish emigration to Palestine or elsewhere?

Mr. Butler

The discussions did not cover Jewish emigration, but in general Colonel Beck was assured that His Majesty's Government fully appreciated the difficulties and that they would be ready to examine with the Polish and Rumanian Governments proposals for a solution of the particular problems arising in those two countries.

Captain Cazalet

Can my right hon. Friend say whether the application of Polish Jews for admission to Palestine has been considered, or not?

Mr. Butler

I cannot answer as to that.

Mr. McGovern

Is it not the case that Jews are treated just as brutally in Poland and Rumania as in Germany?

Mr. Hannah

Does not British Guiana offer better scope than Palestine?

Following is the copy referred to:

Communiqué on question of emigration of Jews from Poland issued on 6th April, 1939. In the course of the recent conversations in London Monsieur Beck expressed the desire that any international effort for the treatment of the Jewish problem should be extended to that of the Jews in Poland, and that Jewish emigrants from Poland should have their due share in any opportunity of settlement which may be found. Monsieur Beck at the same time, at the request of the Rumanian Government, drew attention to the similar problem existing in Rumania. Monsieur Beck was assured that His Majesty's Government fully appreciated the difficulties to which he had referred, and would at any time be ready to examine with the Polish and Rumanian Governments proposals for a solution of the particular problems arising in Poland and Rumania which are part of a larger problem.
12. Mr. Hepworth

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of Hungary's intention to expel 300,000 Jews in the near future, he can state whether any Power, including ourselves, has evolved a policy for wholesale settlement anywhere on Tel-Aviv lines?

Mr. Butler

My Noble Friend has not received any information to the effect that the Hungarian Government intend to expel 300,000 Jews. Commissions of inquiry appointed by refugee organisations in this country, in the United States of America and in Holland have examined or are now examining the possibility of settling refugees in British Guiana, Northern Rhodesia, the Philippines, San Domingo and Surinam.