HC Deb 18 October 1945 vol 414 cc1347-8
13. Major Legge-Bourke

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether it is intended now to deport to Yugoslavia, Doctor Blanco Jelic, who has been interned in this country during the war.

Mr. Ede

A deportation order has been made against Dr. Jelic. The question of his disposal is under consideration.

Mr. Stokes

Will my right hon. Friend give an assurance that this man will not be sent back to Yugoslavia where, on arrival, he expects to be murdered?

Mr. Ede

There is some doubt as to the exact nationality of this man. Before I direct that he be taken to any particular place, I shall consult the Foreign Office about the possible results of sending him there.

Mr. Cocks

On a point of Order. Is it in Order, Mr. Speaker, for an hon. Member to make a serious reflection upon a foreign State, as my hon. Friend the Member for Ipswich (Mr. Stokes) has just done?

Mr. Speaker

I did not hear any such reflection.

Major Legge-Bourke

Has Dr. Jelic committed any offence against this nation?

Mr. Ede

Dr. Jelic is not a national of this country. I think the hon. and gallant Member knows the circumstances in which he was brought here.

Major Legge-Bourke

While appreciating the point in the Minister's answer about how Dr. Jelic was brought here, I have no knowledge of what the—

Mr. Speaker

That is not a supplementary question.

Mr. Sydney Silverman

While my right hon. Friend is considering this matter will he bear in mind that if there is any suggestion that this man is a political refugee of any kind, then the constitutional practice of this country is to afford asylum?

Mr. Ede

No, there is no suggestion that this man is a political refugee.