Oral Answers to Questions — Germany (Plebiscite Vote, Great Britain).

– in the House of Commons at on 7 April 1938.

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Photo of Mr Arthur Henderson Mr Arthur Henderson , Kingswinford

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that a German cruise-ship, "Wilhelm Gustloff," is to come to the Thames to be used as a polling station by those German citizens resident in the United Kingdom participating in the plebiscite on Sunday next; and whether, as such voting is compulsory, he will take steps to ensure that all such German citizens are allowed to exercise their votes without being subject to any interference or restraint?

Photo of Mr Samuel Hoare Mr Samuel Hoare , Chelsea

According to the information in my possession, it is proposed that this ship shall put in at Tilbury on 10th April with a view to taking on board such German subjects resident here as may wish to record their vote in the plebiscite, and that the ship shall then proceed beyond the limits of British territorial waters before these votes are recorded. The voting will, therefore, take place outside British jurisdiction. There can, of course, be no question that German nationals in this country have, under our laws, complete freedom in this matter, and if need should arise, the police would take proper steps to secure to them the freedom to which they are entitled under our laws.

Photo of Mr Arthur Henderson Mr Arthur Henderson , Kingswinford

Is it not without precedent for a foreign Government to send a ship into the territorial waters of another country for the purpose of a plebiscite, and does it not constitute a most objectionable form of propaganda, having regard to the circumstances which have led to it?

Photo of Mr Samuel Hoare Mr Samuel Hoare , Chelsea

I believe it is true that there is no precedent for action of this kind.

Photo of Mr Herbert Williams Mr Herbert Williams , Croydon South

Is it not the case that in 1918 a quarter of a million soldiers then in Germany voted in our general election?

Photo of Mr Reginald Fletcher Mr Reginald Fletcher , Nuneaton

Has an intimation been conveyed to the German Embassy that the visit of this ship should not be made the occasion for Nazi propaganda here?

Photo of Mr Frederick Macquisten Mr Frederick Macquisten , Argyll

Did not the same thing happen in America—[Interruption.]