Rumania (Alien Minorities).

Oral Answers to Questions — Peace Treaties. – in the House of Commons am ar 2 Mai 1923.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Mr Noel Buxton Mr Noel Buxton , Norfolk Northern

5.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the new Constitution of Rumania endangers the religious and linguistic rights of the alien minorities in that country; whether he is aware that Rumania thereby contravenes the Articles of the Minority Treaty concluded between Rumania and the principal allied and associated Powers on the 9th December, 1919; and whether, in accordance with the Articles of that Treaty, he will instruct the British representative on the Council of the League of Nations to bring to the attention of the Council the infraction, or danger of infraction, of the obligations of the Treaty?

Photo of Lieut-Colonel Albert Buckley Lieut-Colonel Albert Buckley , Waterloo

Under Articles 22 and 24 of the new Rumanian Constitution freedom of worship and education is in principle guaranteed to religious and linguistic minorities in Rumania. The methods by which this principle shall in practice be applied is reserved for subsequent legislation, and until the nature of such legislation has been decided it would be premature to assume that the provisions of the Rumanian Minorities Treaties will not be fulfilled. The third part of the hon. Member's question does not, therefore, arise.

Photo of Captain Reginald Berkeley Captain Reginald Berkeley , Nottingham Central

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that this question was raised at the last Council meeting in the very strongest terms by the Hungarian representatives, and that there was a very bitter debate upon it? Cannot he give the House better information?