HC Deb 12 June 1940 vol 361 cc1241-2
2. Mr. Mander

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the reasons for, and the date on which Major Quisling was made a Commander of the Order of the British' Empire, and whether he still remains a member?

Mr. Butler

Captain Vidkun Quisling was appointed to be an honorary Commander of the Order of the British Empire on 22nd November, 1929, in recognition of services rendered to His Majesty's Government in connection with the protection of British interests in the Soviet Union while he was serving on the staff of the Norwegian Legation in Moscow. He is no longer a member of the Order.

Mr. Mander

Will the right hon. Gentleman say when this notorious traitor to his own country and to the Allied cause was removed from the Order?

Mr. Butler

Very recently.

Mr. Silverman

What service did he render to this country?

Mr. Woodburn

Is the Minister aware that, as far back as 1934, it was publicly stated and verified that Major Quisling was already an agent of the German Government?

Mr. McGovern

Was he decorated in 1929 at the order of the Labour Government, which was in Office at that time?

Mr. Butler

If the hon. Member will refer to the date, 22nd November, he will be able to draw his own conclusions.

Mr. Glenvil Hall

Does the right hon. Gentleman remember whether or not the hon. Member for Shettleston (Mr. McGovern) was then a member of the Labour party?

Mr. McGovern

Is the hon. Member aware that that is quite true, and that I have since paid the penalty for my crime?