§ 5. Mr. Dayasked the Prime Minister whether he will give particulars of all reports made by the High Commissioner in Danzig to the Council of the League of Nations to the effect that difficulties are being placed in his way in carrying out his duties?
§ The Prime MinisterThe High Commissioner has reported regularly to the Committee of Three appointed by the Council to follow the situation in Danzig and the Committee has authorised the issue of communiques at the conclusion of its meetings held at Geneva during the sessions of the Council. I am not, of course, in a position to add to these communiques, but I cannot agree that the general purport of the High Commissioner's reports is as described by the hon. Member.
§ Mr. DayCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the High Commissioner has reported any interference with postal or telephone facilities?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir, I cannot.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerIs it not a fact that the British Consul has been on leave for some time?
§ 7. Lieut.-Commander Fletcherasked the Prime Minister what arrangements he proposes to make for the representation of British interests in Bohemia and Moravia, following the withdrawal of diplomatic status from His Majesty's Legation in Prague?
§ 21. Sir Percy Harrisasked the Prime Minister whether it is proposed to appoint a British Consul in Prague; and whether he is in a position definitely to state that His Majesty's Government will take no action which will involve de facto or de jure recognition of German sovereignty in Bohemia and Moravia?
§ The Prime MinisterOn the departure of His Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires from Prague on 25th May British interests will be temporarily in charge of the British Vice-Consul. The question of the future representation of His Majesty's Government in Prague and its bearing on the question of recognition is being considered, and I hope to be in a position to make a statement very shortly.
§ Sir Archibald SinclairCan the right hon. Gentleman answer the second part of Question No. 21, and assure the House that whatever decision may be taken about the appointment of a consul, no action will be taken which might in any degree involve recognition of the German annexation of Bohemia and Moravia?
§ Mr. SandysBefore the Prime Minister replies to that supplementary question, will he make it quite clear that while the British Consul remains in Prague to carry on certain work on behalf of British interests, we shall not ask the German Government to accord him consular status, thereby implying recognition of the German annexation?
§ The Prime MinisterI have said that the matter is being considered, and I hope to make a statement very shortly. I do not think that I can anticipate that statement.
§ 8. Mr. Arthur Hendersonasked the Prime Minister whether he can make a statement on the present position in Danzig?
§ The Prime MinisterAccording to reports received by my Noble Friend, demonstrations were made on 21st May against a Polish Customs House at Kalthof within Danzig territory on the East Prussian border. There is a conflict of evidence as to the nature and the results of these demonstrations. The Polish Commissioner General in Danzig sent representatives to investigate the affair, and in circumstances, of which the accounts also differ very widely, a Danzig citizen was killed. Formal protests have been made on both sides, but I trust that these incidents will not be permitted to lead to graver complications.
§ 9. Mr. Hendersonasked the Prime Minister whether the terms of the agreement made on nth November, 1927, between France and Jugoslavia were com- 2270 municated to the League of Nations; and whether the agreement provides for French intervention in the event of any threat to the independence of Jugoslavia?
§ The Prime MinisterThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, Articles 3 and 4 of the Treaty provide respectively, and within the framework of the League of Nations, for the examination in common by the two countries of questions threatening their external security, and for the two countries to concert together on their respective action in the case of unprovoked attack.