asked the Prime Minister whether he will request the Secretary of the League of Nations to publish the terms of the letter of appreciation and good will addressed by the Government of the United States to that office at Geneva recently concerning the technical organisations of the League?

I understand that full facilities were afforded by the Secretariat-General of the League of Nations to representatives of the Press at Geneva to give publicity to the letter of 2nd February, 1939, from the United States Secretary of State to the Secretary-General of the League of Nations. Extracts from the letter appeared in many organs of the British Press on 23rd February.

In view of the importance of this letter, will the right hon. Gentleman make arrangements to place a copy of it in the Library or circulate it in some way?

If it is for the convenience of the House I will arrange for a copy to be placed in the Library.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the advisability of taking immediate steps to enter into negotiations with the Soviet Government with a view to definite arrangements being entered into between Great Britain, France, and Soviet Russia for joint action in restraint of aggression, and of associating with such arrangements Poland, Rumania, Jugoslavia, Turkey, Holland, Denmark, and other peaceful nations willing to co-operate?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will convene in London a meeting of the representatives of all the chief democratic Powers to discuss joint action, in view of possible European developments?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement with regard to progress made with Powers with whom His Majesty's Government have been in communication, with a view to exploring the possibilities of joint action towards checking aggression in South-Eastern Europe?

I have been asked to reply. As the Prime Minister said in the House on 20th March, His Majesty's Government are in communication with other Governments.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Government have under consideration the possibility of calling a special meeting of the Council of the League of Nations?

The Government are considering all these possibilities, but I think the hon. Member had better wait until the Prime Minister makes a full statement.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that an impression has been created, for which I hope there is no foundation, that the Government intend to do very little in deeds though they may in words?

I am sorry that the hon. Member should make any suggestion of that kind. There is no foundation for it at all.

Can the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that the Government are treating this matter as one of the greatest possible urgency?

I should have thought that is obvious to everybody.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has considered approaching the Turkish Government with a view to an agreement for the passage of naval forces into the Black Sea in the event of a threat to the integrity and independence of Rumania?

As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister indicated on Monday in reply to a question by the hon. and learned Member for Kingswinford (Mr. A. Henderson), the whole situation is at present under review by His Majesty's Government.

Will the Government bear in mind the immense importance of the Straits in the event of a threat to the independence of Rumania?

I am sure that such an important question as that will be borne in mind.

asked the Prime Minister whether the British Minister at Bucharest has reported on the alleged German demand that Rumania should become a purely agricultural country and dispose of all her products to Germany, in which case she will be allowed to retain her independence; and, if not, whether he will inquire as to what the facts are?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement on the situation in Rumania?

Negotiations between the Governments of Germany and Rumania on economic matters have been in progress for some time past. The Rumanian Government has officially denied that there has been any ultimatum from the German Government in the course of these negotiations. At the same time the uncertainty of the present situation has caused the Rumanian Government to take certain precautionary measures.

Are not all these German ultimatums denied until annexation has taken place?

Has the present temporary transference of Foreign Office questions to the Home Office any significance?

None whatever.

Does not the denial of an ultimatum apply to the form rather than to the substance of the question of the hon. Member?

The right hon. Gentleman must draw his own conclusion from my answer.

Is it true that these negotiations have been broken off?

I am informed that the German Mission has returned to Berlin.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information to give the House as to the nature of the proposals put forward by the German Government in these trade negotiations? Were they of such a nature as to reduce Rumania to an economic colony of Germany?

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether staff talks are yet taking place with any of the following countries with a view to coordinating defence of those countries and our own against aggression, namely: France, Russia, Denmark, Holland, Sweden, Jugoslavia, Rumania, Turkey and Greece?

I have been asked to reply. On the subject of staff talks with France, I would refer the right hon. Member to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave in the course of the Debate on 21st February last. With regard to the other countries mentioned in the question, contacts are maintained through the normal channel of service attachés.

Do I understand that the change in the situation has not induced the Government to have any staff conversations with any of these countries, or is the matter still being hung up, because of the Government's inability to make up their mind?

I shall convey the right hon. and gallant Gentleman's remarks to my right hon. Friend.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will initiate staff talks, both economic and military, with the United States of America concerning the supply they can make to this country and our allies in case of war being forced upon us?

No, Sir.

Is this also an example of the inability of the Government to face the situation? Why are no arrangements being come to with America in connection with supplies in the event of war?

That is quite another question.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make regarding the European situation?

I have no special statement to make on the situation in Central Europe.

As regards Memel, I understand that the Lithuanian Minister for Foreign Affairs, who was recently in Berlin, received while there a demand from the German Government for the immediate cession of the Memelland to the Reich, coupled with a threat that in the event of any resistance or any application for support elsewhere, the matter would no longer be dealt with diplomatically, but in a military sense. This demand amounted to an ultimatum and the Lithuanian Government were required to take a decision on it within approximately four days; but they were assured that if it were accepted no further demands would be made of them. I also understand that this demand has now been accepted, though I have not been so informed officially by the Lithuanian Government, who have made no approach to His Majesty's Government since the demand was presented to them.

Can the Home Secretary say when the Prime Minister will be in a position to make a fuller statement to the House?

No, Sir, I cannot give a definite answer to-day, but I can assure the right hon. Gentleman that the Prime Minister is very anxious to make a statement as soon as possible.

Will the right hon. Gentleman realise the great anxiety there is and the need for speed in this matter, and also the importance of a statement being made in this House, and not outside this House?

Certainly, Sir, and I am sure that my right hon. Friend is very conscious of those two things.

In view of the fact that His Majesty's Government was a signatory to the Memel Convention of 1924, may I ask whether it is proposed to take any action by way of protest or otherwise?

I should prefer to make no further statement to-day. I am fully aware of the statutory position of His Majesty's Government, but I think that had better await the fuller statement that the Prime Minister intends to make.

Is it not a fact that at Munich Herr Hitler assured the Prime Minister that he had no intention of interfering in any way with the future of Memel, and is it not the case that the term "thrice perjured" is rather out of date?

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information about a report that the Lithuanian Government are about to apply to Russia for protection for the remainder of their territory?

No, Sir, I have no information on the last point. As to the question asked by the hon. Member for East Wolverhampton (Mr. Mander), an assurance of that kind certainly was given, and that is one of the subjects which will, no doubt, come up for discussion when there is a fuller Debate.

Are there any alterations at all in the arrangements for Colonel Beck's visit?

Are we to understand that the German Government threatened Lithuania with the occupation by military force of the whole of Lithuanian territory?

I understand that they were informed that military action would otherwise be taken; but at the same time I would wish to say that we have no official information on the subject from the Lithuanian Government or from any other Government, and I think, therefore, I had better not be drawn into any further details until we receive them.

asked the Prime Minister to which embassies or legations in London were granted the greatest number of diplomatic visas for the year ended 28th February, 1939; and whether there is any limit to the number of such visas that are granted to any one embassy or legation?

As the answer contains a number of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the same number of visas are reciprocal for His Majesty's representatives in these countries?

I was asked about the number of visas granted to embassies in London, and I have answered that question.

asked the Prime Minister what steps, other than military preparations, His Majesty's Government pro pose to take in the near future which would not simply safeguard British interests but encourage and enable other Powers to enter into equitable, political and economic co-operation, with a view to eliminating unnecessary rivalry, suspicion and isolation, and promoting through the League of Nations or other wise, general confidence, security and resistance among peace-loving Powers?

His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom will watch for an opportunity of promoting the course of action suggested by the hon. Member.

May I take it that the Government recognise that only on the basis stated in the question can a really peaceful and co-operative world be built?

I have said that we are looking for an opportunity to promote the course of action which the hon. Member suggests.

asked the Prime Minister whether representations have been, or will be, made by His Majesty's Government to the German Government with a view to obtaining facilities for emigration for citizens of Czecho-Slovakia whose lives and liberty may be now in danger; and whether His Majesty's Government will take steps, in co-operation with other Governments, to give special facilities to such refugees to find asylum elsewhere?

Representations have been made urgently by His Majesty's Government to the German Government requesting that there should be no obstacles placed in the way of the departure of all those refugees whose names appeared on the British lists. His Majesty's Government are giving urgent consideration to all practical possibilities of co-operation with other Governments in this connection.

May I ask whether the visa system applies to refugees in Czecho-Slovakia?

I cannot answer that question without notice, but I can assure the hon. and gallant Member that no formal delays will be allowed to hold up the departure of refugees of this kind.

May I ask whether since the entry of Germany into Czecho-Slovakia there has been delay in emigrants coming away?

I cannot give an answer without notice.

What about British newspaper representatives who are now in Czecho-Slovakia?

"The Daily Worker?"

Can the right hon. Gentleman say anything about the position of British subjects who have taken refuge in the British Legation at Prague and tell us anything about the possibility of their getting away?

That is a different question, and I cannot answer it without notice.

:Can the right hon. Gentleman confirm the report that there are already 20,000 Czechs in concentration camps? If it is true, will be make urgent and energetic protests in Berlin against it?

asked the Prime Minister whether any decision has now been taken by His Majesty's Government as to the diplomatic status of the Czecho-Slovak representatives in London?

asked the Prime Minister whether members of the Czech Legation in London and Czech Consuls in Great Britain will continue to enjoy the status and privileges accorded to them before the German usurpation in Czecho-Slovakia?

His Majesty's Government have decided that for the time being the position of the Czecho-Slovak Chargé d'Affaires, the diplomatic members of his staff, and Czecho-Slovak consular officials in this country shall remain as before.

asked the Prime Minister the date and the nature of the communication recently made to His Majesty's Government by the French Foreign Minister concerning the possibility of German action in Czecho-Slovakia?

His Majesty's Government and the French Government have been in close contact about all reports concerning the development of the situation in Central Europe including among others reports of the possibility of German action against Czecho-Slovakia. I am not in a position to say at what moment any particular report may have been brought to my Noble Friend's notice.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in reply to a question last week he said that he would inquire whether a communication was made to the French Foreign Minister on nth March. Has the right hon. Gentleman since inquired into that matter?

I always try to inquire into questions I say that I will inquire into, but I cannot make public diplo- matic exchanges between us and the French Government.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Ambassador at Berlin has given a satisfactory explanation of the lack of knowledge of Germany's intentions to annex Czecho-Slovakia?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for West Fife (Mr. Gallacher) on Monday, to which I have nothing to add.

asked the Prime Minister whether General Franco's Government have been invited by the Council of the League or otherwise to become members of the League of Nations?

Spain is a member of the League of Nations, and there is no question of a special invitation being required.

In view of the recent recognition, does the Minister think there is any possibility of the newly recognised Government becoming in the near future a member of the peace group against aggression?

I cannot answer for another Government. I have said that Spain is a member of the League of Nations.

Is the newly recognised Government carrying on the commitments of the Spanish Government, who were members of the League of Nations?

I cannot answer that question.

Is it clear from what the right hon. Gentleman has said that Franco's Government is now in the full sense a member of the League of Nations?

Spain is a member of the League of Nations. That is all I can say.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will see that due consideration is given to the demand of the Ceylon Indian Association for eight seats for Indians in a Council of 68, for the grant of the franchise to Indians on a basis of five years' residence, and for an inquiry by the Parliamentary Committee?

As I have made clear in my despatch of 10th November, which has been presented to Parliament, I am awaiting the completion of the debate in the State Council of Ceylon before giving further consideration to these matters. I can assure the hon. Member that the suggestions to which he refers will be given due consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has been made in the investigation and promotion of schemes for the settlement of German-Jewish refugees in Tanganyika, in accordance with the Government announcement on the matter?

I have nothing to add at present to the answer which I gave to a question by the hon. Member for Dorset, East (Mr. Hall-Caine) on 8th February.

Is it still the policy of the Government to settle German Jews in Tanganyika, if possible?

As I said in my previous answer, this matter has now been remitted to the Refugees Committee, and we are awaiting their comments before proceeding with the matter.

That does not answer my question. Is it still the policy of the Government to settle German Jews, if possible, in Tanganyika, as was suggested by the Prime Minister?

This is a matter on which there has to be agreement between the Government and the voluntary organisations. As far as His Majesty's Government are concerned, there is no alteration to be made in the previous statement.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give an assurance that the Government plans, as soon as preliminaries can be arranged, to establish within the Empire a new home for European refugees on a scale adequate to the necessity?

This question is an international one, not confined to the Empire, and an international body, namely, the London Inter-Governmental Committee has been set up to continue and develop the work of the Evian Meeting and is constantly engaged in exploring the possibility of settlement in all countries represented on the Committee.

Would it not be of immense help, both to the refugees and to the people who consider them undesirable citizens, if we were willing to do this work on a really adequate scale?

I think we are very anxious to do our full part.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the arrangements for the settlement of refugees are proceeding according to plan and to the satisfaction of the Government?

I could not give so general an answer as to say "Yes" to a question of that kind, but we are doing our best with the two schemes with which we are most directly concerned, namely, the schemes for settlement in Northern Rhodesia, and inquiries are actually taking place at this moment on the spot.

In view of the fact that Governments since the War have found much difficulty in arranging for the organised settlement of British migrants, is it not apparent that these things cannot be done at a moment's notice and without a very great deal of preparatory work?

That certainly is so. None the less, my hon. and gallant Friend will, I think, agree that it is a very urgent question, and that the sooner we can make some settlement the better.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the announcements by various Governments of annexation, or proposed annexation, of vast areas in the Antarctic, he will define the present limits of British territory in the Antarctic and the area of land involved?

As the reply is rather long, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is yet in a position to make a statement as to when it is proposed to issue in Palestine the new Road Transport Ordinance and Highway Code for that country?

I am afraid that it is not possible to say when the Palestine Government will be in a position to enact legislation amending the Road Transport Ordinance or to issue the projected Highway Code. Further consideration of these matters has had to be deferred until normal conditions are restored in Palestine.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the fact that full use is not made of the facilities offered by the Colonial Development Fund for assistance in the various Dependencies, he will bring to the notice of the appropriate Governments the opportunities available for help for which the fund provides?

The Governments of the Colonial Dependencies are well aware of the opportunities of help afforded by the Colonial Development Fund, and I do not think that a further general notification on the subject would serve any useful purpose. The attention of in- dividual Governments is, however, called from time to time, as occasion offers, to the desirability of asking for assistance for particular projects.

As I assume the purpose of this fund is one which meets with the right hon. Gentleman's approval, may I ask whether he will take any further steps to see that that purpose is fully implemented?

The hon. Member's assumption is correct, and my answer said I did not think it necessary to take any general action in order to notify Colonial Governments of this matter. We do take action very often in particular cases.

Then, may I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman will take any particular action?

If occasion arises we always do take particular action and we shall continue to do so.

Are the facilities offered by the fund available to the South African Protectorates?

Yes. The fund does extend to the Protectorates.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the amounts provided in the Estimates for the 12 months ended the last convenient date, for the maintenance of the Kenya Defence Force?

As the answer contains a number of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Will the figures include the supplementary votes?

The figures I am giving are the Estimates for the current year.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Church of England was disestablished and gradually disendowed in Jamaica in 1870, and the government of the Church placed on the voluntary principle; and whether the statement of the Governor of Jamaica on 14th February, 1939, emphasising the interdependence of the Church and the State indicates a change of policy in this respect?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and the answer to the second part is in the negative.

Is the Minister not aware that the Governor of Jamaica made a statement to the effect indicated; and will he take steps to prevent statements of that kind which are irresponsible and -without relation to the actual situation?

I do not think there was anything in the Governor's statement which would lead to the conclusion drawn by the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the terms of the International Sugar Agreement provide for sugar-producing British Colonies to enjoy an increased quota as a result of the United Kingdom beet-sugar crop being considerably reduced, or whether foreign producers automatically benefit by a fall in United Kingdom production; and whether he will propose an amendment to the agreement whereby in the event of either the United Kingdom, Dominion, or Colonial quota of sugar-production falling below their allotted figure, this export surplus is allocated to British producers wherever situated on a basis to be determined by the British Government, having particular regard to the claims of the West Indies?

Under the terms of the International Sugar Agreement it is impossible to increase Colonial or Dominion quotas by reason of the United Kingdom crop being less than the maximum laid down in the agreement. This was one of the definite understandings on which the agreement was concluded, and I am advised that there is no prospect that any alteration in the provision could be agreed.

From where does the actual sugar come in this case?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the fact that German subjects in the mandated territory of the British Cameroons out-number the British subjects by three to one, he will consider the advisability of increasing the police forces in that territory?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of Slate for the Colonies whether he can give any information as to the respective military strengths of the one company of the Royal West African Frontier Force and of the German catapult ship stationed at Bathurst, Gambia; and will he, in view of the great strategic importance of that Colony, consider the advisability of reinforcing the British garrison there?

The German personnel of the catapult ship according to recent information totals 37, the shore staff seven, and the stand-by aircraft crew five. These are not military forces. The strength of the garrison at Bathurst, which is at present three officers and 100 other ranks, is a matter which comes periodically under review with that of other garrisons in West Africa.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the great potentialities of the Colony of Gambia are at present circum scribed by the production of the single crop of groundnuts; and whether the Government will give their attention to the development of this Colony on more enterprising lines?

I am aware that the only significant export crop of the Gambia is groundnuts, which is the most suitable cash crop for this Dependency, but a variety of other products is produced for internal consumption. I am always ready to consider suggestions for other forms of production for export.

Is the right hon. Gentleman taking any initiative to deal with the depression in this Colony?

The matter has been under review by the Colonial Marketing Board, but beyond that there are no useful steps that we can contemplate at the present time.