asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Rumanian Government have suppressed most of the newspapers in Rumania which were printed in the Russian, Ukrainian, or Jewish language, numbering four Ukrainian, 11 Russian, and 20 Jewish newspapers; and, as this action is in contravention of the provisions of the minorities treaty giving special language rights to minorities, to which Great Britain is a signatory, what action has been taken?

I understand that a number of newspapers have recently been suppressed, but I have no detailed information as to the grounds on which action has been taken. As the hon. Member is aware, the provisions of the Rumanian minorities treaty are placed under the guarantee of the League of Nations, and any complaint that these provisions had been infringed would be a matter to be dealt with by the League in accordance with the established procedure.

Will advantage be taken of the presence of King Carol in the near future to discuss, either formally or informally, all these matters?

rose—

May I ask for an answer to my question, as King Carol is to visit this country and there is very strong feeling about what is being done? Will opportunity be taken to call his attention to it?

I can give no undertaking to the hon. Gentleman, but I will certainly note the point that he has made.

asked the Prime Minister what is the position in regard to the withdrawal of foreign troops concerned now that the Powers concerned have agreed in principle to the British formula; and whether there is yet any proposal or agreement as to the number of troops to be withdrawn in the first instance and the method by which the expenses of such withdrawal are to be met?

I am not at liberty to make any statement at present on these questions, which are under the consideration of the Non-Intervention Committee.

When will the next meeting of the Committee be held?

I cannot at present say.

Is it proposed that the British taxpayer should pay for the withdrawal of Italian troops from Spain?

asked the Prime Minister whether he can give an assurance that His Majesty's Government will neither propose nor sanction any departure from the resolution of the Non-Intervention Committee adopted on 4th November, 1937, and particularly paragraph (3) of that resolution, which laid it down that reimposition of control over land frontiers should shortly precede the commencement of withdrawals of non-Spanish nationals from Spain and should be simultaneous with the reimposition of a reinforced system of sea control in accordance with the terms of the Van Dulm-Hemming report?

As I pointed out to the hon. Member on 7th March, this is a matter which is at present under the consideration of the Non-Intervention Committee. As has previously been made clear, the British proposals stand as a whole, and are a matter for decision by the Committee as a whole.

Can we have an assurance now that the British Government will not go back on the agreement which was previously reached on this very important matter?

Various questions are now being considered together, and I am not in a position at present to give an assurance.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has considered an article recently published in "Dia Grafico," the official organ of the Barcelona Government, in which it is made clear that that Government, if successful in the present civil war, will obtain the return of Gibraltar to Spain; and what representations he has made to that Government?

I have not seen the article to which my hon. Friend refers, but I am making inquiries.

Would the Minister like me to send him a copy of the article?

Is there any doubt that we shall retain Gibraltar?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the increasing difficulties of the Spanish Government faced by unlimited Italian war material, he will include in the Italian conversations the cessation of such supplies in future and, further, that our Ambassador at Rome should be informed of what is being sent to Spain from Italy?

As the House will be aware, it is the policy of His Majesty's Government to secure general adherence to the Non-Intervention Agreement. There is the fullest interchange of information between my Noble Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and His Majesty's Ambassador at Rome over all questions relevant to the discharge of the Ambassador's duties.

Is it relative to the Ambassador's duties to find out information from the Italian Government or elsewhere as to the shipping of munitions of war to Spain; and, if that is his duty, is he sending the information?

I think the right hon. Gentleman may be assured that His Majesty's Government have all the information that they can procure.

Can our Ambassador in Paris be informed as to the amounts of munitions passing over the French frontier to Catalonia?

Does the hon. Gentleman consider that the continual import of Italian raw material into Spain is a matter relevant to the British-Italian conversations?

asked the Prime Minister whether the French Government have yet approached the Vatican with a view to obtaining an authoritative condemnation of the bombing in Spain by either side of civilians; whether His Majesty's representative at the Vatican has been asked to make any such representations; and, if not, will he be told to do so?

asked the Prime Minister whether any response has been received to the representations made by the French Government, with the support of His Majesty's Government, seeking the good offices of the Vatican in order to bring about an agreement between both sides engaged in the civil war in Spain to abandon the bombardment of open towns and other unfortified places; and whether any representations have yet been made by the British Minister to the Vatican on this subject?

His Majesty's Government and the French Government are still in consultation regarding the form of the proposed appeal to the contending Spanish parties. His Majesty's Government have consequently not yet made any approach to the Vatican, nor, so far as I am aware, have the French Government done so.

Is it possible to invite the Vatican to intervene in one part of Spain where there has been wholesale destruction of churches?

Are any further steps in contemplation in this matter, seeing its importance for all the people of Spain, on both sides?

I have said that we are still in consultation on the matter with the French Government.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can give particulars of the air attack upon His Majesty's Ships "Blanche" and "Brilliant"?

Yes, Sir. His Majesty's Ships "Blanche" and "Brilliant" were attacked about mid-day on Sunday last, 6th March, by five aircraft while they were proceeding to investigate bombing which had taken place in the vicinity of the British steamship "Shakespear." No damage was caused. His Majesty's Government take a serious view of attacks of this character upon His Majesty's ships of war. As they are of opinion, on the evidence available, that the aircraft in question was in the service of the Spanish Government, a suitable protest is being addressed to that Government.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether there have been any air operations in connection with the Spanish war in proximity to His Majesty's Ship "Royal Oak"; and whether every precaution is taken to keep capital ships of the Royal Navy in neutral waters removed from the possibilities of air attack?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, my hon. and gallant Friend will appreciate that, while none of His Majesty's ships will be hazarded unnecessarily, the nature of the duties which they may be required to perform is such that, in the circumstances at present prevailing in Spanish waters, they must remain subject to a certain degree of risk of air attack.

Cannot the capital ships of the British Navy be kept out of these possibilities? Can the hon. Member tell us what air operations took place in the neighbourhood of the "Royal Oak," as I asked him to do in the first part of the question?

On the first part of the question, one can only say that a capital ship of this size is less vulnerable to air attack than a smaller ship. In reply to the second part, there have been three attacks in the vicinity of the "Royal Oak," and no damage has been done.

Is the hon. Member aware by whom the attacks were made, and has any protest been made? Were they, in fact, five Russian aeroplanes?

I am informed that one was presumably Nationalist, one believed to belong to the Spanish Government, and one doubtful.

Do the Admiralty think that these attacks were deliberate?

It is very difficult sometimes to say, so inaccurate is the attack, what target is being aimed at.

asked the Prime Minister how many countries are involved in the German Colonies claim; and what was the square mileage of the German Colonies before 1914?

The Governments administering Mandates over territories which formed part of the former German Colonies are His Majesty's Governments in the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth of Australia, New Zealand and the Union of South Africa, and the Governments of France, Belgium and Japan. As regards the second part of the ques- tion, many of the areas concerned have not been accurately surveyed, and the available statistics are in certain cases conflicting, but, so far as can be ascertained, the area of the German Colonies in 1914 was approximately 1,135,600 square miles.

Does the hon. Gentleman recognise the tremendously big problem that has to be confronted?

Yes, Sir.

Has the visit of Lord Noel-Buxton to Germany to lecture upon the return of the Colonies been taken with the approval and concurrence of the British Government?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the harm done to relations between this country and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics by the evidence recently given in the trial in Moscow by Ivanov and others who had been members or officials of the Russian Government, to the effect that they had acted for a group working with Great Britain for the overthrow of the Soviet regime; and whether he can give an assurance that this country has not at any time been guilty of any such breach of the agreement with the Russian Government that each would abstain from interference in the internal affairs of the other country?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that in the recent trial in Russia evidence has been given by persons who formerly were members of, or officials in the service of, the Government of the Union of Socialist Soviet Republics, to the effect that while so employed they had acted as agents, paid or otherwise, for this country; and whether he will make a statement on the matter to show that this country has not been guilty of any such breach of the agreement with the Soviet Government to abstain from propaganda and from any other form of interference in each other's internal affairs?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of its effect upon Anglo-Russian relations, he will make a statement in regard to the evidence given at the present state trial in Moscow to the effect that certain named British subjects were employed by the British Intelligence Service to recruit certain ex-official Russian subjects for that service?

asked the Prime Minister what steps he is taking or proposes to take to counteract the damage done to the good relations between the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and this country by the evidence given in a recent trial in Russia that certain former Russian officials had, while occasionally resident in this country, acted as the agents of this Government?

I am aware of the prejudicial effect on Anglo-Soviet relations likely to be produced within the Soviet Union by the evidence given at this trial. I doubt, however, whether the allegations, which are totally untrue, will be given any credit in this country or, indeed, anywhere outside the Soviet Union. I feel that I need hardly assure the House that His Majesty's Government have not been guilty of any breach of their agreement with the Soviet Government, and that they have not employed any of the British subjects whose names have been mentioned at the trial to work for the Intelligence Service, or to engage in any subversive activities whatever against the Soviet Government.

Will the Prime Minister make it clear to the Russian Government that British international good faith is not a suitable subject for the manufacture of bogus evidence?

Does the fact that so many distinguished citizens have since been lecturing on their experiences as members of the British Intelligence Service, square with the answer which the right hon. Gentleman has just given.

I do not know to whom the hon. Lady refers.

Lady Muriel Paget.

The hon. Lady appears to suggest that Lady Muriel Paget has been lecturing on her experiences in the British Intelligence Service. She has had no experience in the British Intelligence Service. Anybody who knows anything about her work knows that it is thoroughly unselfish and humanitarian.

Those who know something about her work have reason to doubt the statement just made by the Prime Minister.

Can the Prime Minister take any steps to protect the innocent victims of these fantastic stories—

They are true stories—

and will he do so?

Are we to understand that the British Intelligence Service has no interest in Russia, or that there is no British Intelligence Service; and does the Prime Minister mean to tell us that men who are facing trial voluntarily make statements of this kind without there being any basis for them?

Can the Prime Minister assure the House that he will inform the Russian Government that British international good faith is not a suitable subject for the manufacture of bogus evidence?

May I ask the Prime Minister to state specifically that there are no British Intelligence agents in Soviet Russia?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement on the recent declaration of sovereignty by the United States Government over the islands of Canton and Enderbury, in the Southern Pacific, in view of the recent Orders in Council claiming them as British territory?

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the American claim to sovereignty over Canton Island and Enderbury Island, in the Southern Pacific Ocean; whether British jurisdiction over these islands was previously claimed; and what steps are being taken to preserve British rights in these islands on account of their importance as prospective aerial bases?

In discussions last year the United States Government contested the validity of the British claim to the Phoenix Group of islands in which Canton and Enderbury are situated, and declined to recognise the Order-in-Council of 18th March, 1937. Sir R. Lindsay has been instructed to inform the United States Government that His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom cannot regard the juridical situation as in any way affected by their recent action which included a landing on Canton Island. This island had been effectively occupied by His Majesty's Government on 5th August, 1937, and an administrative officer now resides there. He was instructed to add that His Majesty's Government maintain all their rights to the Phoenix Group. It is intended in the immediate future to submit proposals to the United States Government which, it is hoped, will serve as a basis for ending this controversy in a manner satisfactory to both parties.

Does His Majesty's Government propose to consult the Government of New Zealand in this matter?

I must have notice of that question, but I understand they have been consulted.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the recent declaration by Dr. Hodza, the Prime Minister of Czechoslovakia, of the desire of his Government that His Majesty's Government should realise that appeasement and peace in Central Europe is a matter of general, and therefore of British, interest; and whether he will assure the Czechoslovakian Government that His Majesty's Government fully realise this fact?

I have read with great interest the speech recently made by the Prime Minister of Czechoslovakia, but I do not consider that it requires or invites any further statement on my part.

Is it not a fact that the Prime Minister of Czechoslovakia expressed in a speech the desire of the Czechoslovakian Government that the British Government should recognise this fact, and is it not the case that His Majesty's Government do take this view? Can the Prime Minister say so?

I have nothing further to add to the answer which I have given.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will publish the Maffey Report and will assure the House that the Government is not contemplating, as part of an Anglo-Italian settlement, any annexation to British possessions of Abyssinian territory?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. With regard to the second part, I would remind the right hon. Gentleman that I stated in the House on 23rd February that I could not pledge myself in advance with regard to any discussions which His Majesty's Government may have with the Italian Government on the subject of Abyssinia. To that statement I have nothing to add.

Is the Prime Minister aware that his failure to give an assurance that he will not participate in the dismemberment of Abyssinia will be a great shock to many people?

Is not the Prime Minister's Government already pledged not to recognise the acquisition of territory by means contrary to the Covenant of the League?

We are governed by the terms of the Covenant, like the others who signed it.

Would not the annexation by ourselves of Abyssinia be a plain violation of the Covenant's guarantee of territorial integrity?

Is it not a fact that many countries which are members of the League have already recognised the Italian Empire?

Is it not better to admit facts?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Japanese military authorities in Shanghai claim to exercise censorship on ingoing and outgoing mails; whether he has received any reports on this matter from His Majesty's Consul-General; and whether he will make it clear to the Japanese Government in Tokyo and to the Japanese military authorities in Shanghai that this claim cannot be admitted and will be resisted?

The answer to the first and second parts of this question is in the affirmative. As regards the last part, His Majesty's Consul-General in Shanghai has addressed a protest to the Japanese Consul-General and a request that instructions may be issued to refrain from censuring British mails. Representations on the same subject were made by His Majesty's Embassy in Tokyo on 3rd March.

If the Japanese continue this policy of trying to impose a censorship, would His Majesty's Government consider re-opening the British Post Office at Shanghai, so as to ensure British mails reaching British nationals?

I should like to wait till a reply to our representations has been made.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the terms of a resolution passed by a large and representative public meeting in Georgetown, British Guiana, on 7th February, and handed to the Governor of the Colony on 15th February; and whether, in view of the fact that the resolution, which appeals for an official investigation of the social conditions and potential economic development of Jamaica, Barbados and British Guiana, is signed by representative religious, municipal, social and trade union leaders of the last-mentioned Colony, he will take steps to give effect to this appeal?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part, the Governor of British Guiana will no doubt send me a copy of the resolution and his observations thereon.

Is it the intention of the right hon. Gentleman to listen to these people and to send out a Commission to inquire into the source of the trouble?

I cannot add anything to what I said the other day in the Debate.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether there has been any improvement in the sea-defence position in British Guiana during the past year?

A programme of new construction and replacement works was drawn up by the Director of Public Works and Sea Defences early in 1937, and was approved on the recommendation of the Governor. In addition, provision was made in the Colony's estimates for normal expenditure on maintenance and administration and for the special hydrographic survey to which I referred in my reply to the question by the hon. Member on 10th March, 1937. This survey has been continued throughout the year.

Has there been any improvement in the situation as a result of this action during the past year?

Yes, Sir, there has been considerable expenditure in connection with the problem of keeping out the sea in British Guiana.

They are more particular about keeping it out there than in Norfolk.

It is in the landlord's hands in both cases.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Governor of Hong Kong is now in a position to forward information to him concerning the Hong Kong Government's attitude towards the majority and minority reports of the Mui-Tsai Commission; and when a final decision may be expected?

I have not yet received final recommendations from the Governor of Hong Kong, but I understand that agreement on the measures which are regarded as desirable and practicable in the circumstances may soon be reached locally, and that a report may shortly be expected.

Has my right hon. Friend any information as to whether those recommendations will be based on the minority report?

None whatever, yet.

Does my right hon. Friend realise that we are most anxious to have the report and legislation passed while he is Colonial Secretary?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies for what reasons newspapers in Singapore have been refused permission to operate radio receiving sets for the reception of news?

No restriction is placed by the Government in the Straits Settlements on the private reception and dissemination of news broadcast by telephony from duly authorised broadcasting stations. As regards news broadcast by radio-telegraphy, for example, Reuter's Rugby Service, it was decided to adopt in the Straits Settlements the practice followed in this country under which the reception of such messages is carried out exclusively by the Administration. I may add that an arrangement has been reached between Reuter and the Straits Settlements Government, on terms which I understand are regarded as satisfactory, for the interception by the Government of Reuter's Rugby Service.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the financial prosperity of the Uganda protectorate, it is proposed to reduce the taxation now imposed on the native population?

The comparative prosperity which Uganda enjoyed last year has, I am glad to say, permitted the grant of some relief to the native taxpayer. Certain taxes have been abolished and others reduced; and the people of Uganda have also benefited from recent reductions in freight rates on the Kenya and Uganda Railway to the extent of about £250,000. The Uganda Government has announced its intention of carrying out further investigations into the incidence of certain other taxes during the year, but I would remind the hon. Member that the new and extensive programme of development in social services, educational facilities and public works now in hand excludes the possibility of any substantial further reduction of taxation at the present time.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of a recent legal decision in Malta on the subject of taxation, he is yet in a position to make a statement on the future constitution of this island?

I am at present awaiting receipt of a full copy of the judgment and other relevant documents in this case which the Governor is forwarding to me by mail. Until these are received I am not in a position to make any statement.