The Czechoslovak Review/Volume 2/From the British House of Commons

FROM THE BRITISH HOUSE OF COMMONS

 

On June 11th, Mr. Outhwaite member of Parliament for Hanley, asked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs, whether his attention had been called to the declaration of sympathy with the nationalistic aspirations of the Czechoslovaks and Jugoslavs, is sued by the Premiers of Great Britain, France and Italy at Versailles, on June 3d; and what steps the British Government proposed to take to secure the liberation of the Czechoslovaks and Jugoslavs who, for pursuing nationalistic ambitions, had been imprisoned without trial by the Austrian Government.

Lord R. Cecil answered: The British Government have no means of modifying the action of the Austrian Government in this matter. These persons are the enemies of our enemies, and as such are entitled to our warmest sympathies.

In reply to a further question by Mr. Outhwaite, Lord R. Cecil stated: It will be for the liberated Czechoslovak and Jugoslav peoples themselves to determine their future status. His Majesty’s Government thoroughly recognizes the many proofs given by these races of intense national feeling, and cordially acknowledge the assistance which their troops are rendering to the Allied cause.