§ 2. Mr. Arthur Hendersonasked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government continues to give de facto recognition to the present Government of Slovakia?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Butler)His Majesty's Government obtained an exequatur for a Consul in Bratislava in May last, thereby according de facto recognition to the Slovak Government. His Majesty's Government subsequently granted an exequatur to a Slovak Consul in London. During August the German Government extended their military control over the whole of Slovakia and, on 2nd September, His Majesty's Consulate at Bratislava was closed. On 8th September Slovakia was proclaimed to be territory in enemy occupation. The Slovak Consul in London has protested against the occupation of his country by German forces and has declared the aims and ideals of His Majesty's Government and France to be identical with those of 2 the Slovak people. His Majesty's Government continue to recognise him as the Slovak representative in London.
§ Mr. HendersonDoes that mean the Government will continue to recognise the present Government in Slovakia as the de facto Government of Slovakia?
§ Mr. ButlerI have said that Slovakia is in enemy control and must be regarded as such, but we continue to recognise the Slovakian representative in London.