EX-SERVICEMEN’S PLAN

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXV, Issue 158, 20 June 1935, Page 7

EX-SERVICEMEN’S PLAN

What Political Significance?

MINISTER CROSS-EXAMINED

(Received 20, 11.10 a.m.) LONDON, June 19. In the House of Commons, Mr. A. Bevan (Labour) asked whether the proposal to send a delegation of exservicemen to Germany was made with the knowledge and consent of the Government. Sir Samuel Hoare replied that the Government was aware it was the British Legion’s policy to establish friendly relations with corresponding organisations in all countries, but regarded the matters as purely one for ex-servicemen’s organisations. Mr. Bevan; Are you aware that exception is not taken to the sending of a deputation, but to the manner ana place and authority giving the matter a diplomatic significance it ought nor to possess. Would Sir Samuel Hoare see that the delegation visited ex-ser-vicemen in prisons and concentration camps in Germany? Sir Samuel said it was essentially a matter for ex-servicemen’s organisations. It was not one in which the Foreign Office ought to interfere. Mr. Bevan: Do you approve of the proposal being made by a person occupying the position of the Prince of ■Wales? (Cries of “Order!”) Sir Samuel: I am neither approving nor disapproving. It is not a matter within the competence of the Foreign Office. Lieutenant-Colonel D. Watts-Morgan (Labour): Has it no diplomatic significeneej Sir Samuel did not reply.