§ 12. Professor Savoryasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any reply has been received from the Government of Guatemala to the protest of His Majesty's Minister against the attack on the British Legation; and what further action he proposes to take.
§ Mr. BevinThe Guatemalan Government replied on 4th March disclaiming responsibility. The demonstration, however, clearly constituted a threat to the safety of the Legation premises and staff, although no actual violence occurred. His Majesty's Government were, therefore, unable to accept the Guatemalan Government's contention, and instructed His Majesty's Minister to return the Note containing the Guatemalan Government's reply explaining that it was unacceptable. I have also impressed on the Guatemalan Minister in London the importance which His Majesty's Government attach to proper protection being accorded to their diplomatic premises abroad in accordance with the accepted principles of international law.
§ Professor SavoryHas the right hon. Gentleman also called the attention of the Guatemalan Government to the fact that the police looked on, and, in fact, egged on the mob?
§ Mr. EdenHas the Foreign Secretary considered calling the attention of the Guatemalan Minister to the fact that conduct of this kind, which is entirely contrary to all recognised international behaviour, is hardly a recommendation for Guatemala to have a square inch of anybody else's soil?
§ Mr. BevinI have conveyed our feelings very strongly to the Guatemalan Minister; he is under no illusions, nor are his Government.
§ Mr. Emrys HughesCould my right hon. Friend tell us whether there was any serious threat to British life or property in this attack; and was it before or after the cruiser arrived?
§ Mr. HughesDid they do so?
§ Mr. BevinNo, we stopped them. It is my duty, representing this country, to take ordinary precautions if I think British lives and property are in danger. I do not do anything aggressive; but if anyone is about to attack the life of another citizen in this country and I see a policeman who can help that man or myself, it is my duty to ask him to stop it. In this case I had very reliable information that rather excitable people intended——
§ Mr. HughesIntended.
§ Mr. BevinWell, if a policeman saw a burglar who was intending to break into a house get right up to the window, the policeman would not let him go into the house in order to make sure that the burglar was going there.
§ Mr. GallacherIs the Foreign Secretary aware that following this event the American State Department sent a very friendly letter to the Guatemalan Government on its claims to Antarctic territory; and does he not think that was an unfriendly action towards this country?
§ Mr. Skeffington-LodgeWill my right hon. Friend advise the Guatemalan and other similar Governments not to take too much notice of the Opposition Press of this country in future?
§ Squadron-Leader FlemingIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the action he has taken has given great satisfaction to all right minded persons in this country?