Captain COOTE:

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Supreme Council has asserted the right of Eastern Galicia to independent existence, subject to precise definition of its status: whether he is further aware that the Polish Government proposes to hold elections in this country on 29th October as though it were an integral part of Poland; and what steps he proposes to suggest to other members of the Supreme Council in view of this disregard of their guarantee?

Mr. HARMSWORTH:

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. My hon. and gallant Friend is perhaps thinking of certain resolutions passed by the Supreme Council at the time of the fighting in Eastern Galacia in June, 1919, the main object of which was to secure that the military occupation of the province by the Poles did not prejudice the ultimate determination of its status. Statements have been made to the effect that the Polish Government intend to hold elections in the province, but, I have received no official confirmation. The third part of the question does not therefore arise.

Captain COOTE:

Is my hon. Friend aware that reports have appeared in the French newspapers to the effect stated in my question, and will he be careful to see that the occupation by Poland of this country does not result in its annexation by Poland contrary to the expressed will of the people?

Mr. HARMSWORTH:

I do not think the hon. and gallant Gentleman will expect me to give a specific answer to these questions. I can assure him that all these matters are under the consideration of the, Government.

Could the Under-Secretary not instruct our representative at Warsaw to visit Galacia, in order to see the conditions under which the elections are to be held?

Mr HARMSWORTH:

I do not think that is a practical suggestion.

As our representative in Warsaw has already visited Galicia, why cannot he visit it again at a time when the elections are about to take place?

Captain COOTE:

Is it not a fact that we have asked for a report from the Polish Government on the subject of the holding of these elections?

Mr. HARMSWORTH:

Yes, Sir, I think inquiries have been made.