HC Deb 01 May 1951 vol 487 cc983-4
13. Major Tufton Beamish

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will describe the efforts made by the Imperial War Graves Commission to arrange for officials to visit British cemeteries of the 1939–45 War in Hungary, Bulgaria and Roumania; what explanation the Governments of these countries have given for their refusal to allow these graves to be visited; and what further action he intends to take.

Mr. M. Stewart

His Majesty's diplomatic representatives in Bulgaria and Roumania have made representations on this subject on behalf of the Imperial War Graves Commission. No reply could be elicited from Bulgaria. The Roumanian Government stated that they could not see the need for such visits and promised that every facility would be given for a member of His Majesty's Legation at Bucharest to supervise the graves. In the case of Hungary, the cemetery at Budapest was inspected on two occasions by an official of the Commission prior to 1949. The Imperial War Graves Commission, acting on behalf of their constituent Governments, will continue to seek the advice of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in determining the further action to be taken.

Major Beamish

Would the hon. Gentleman inform the Governments of those three countries that their attitude is deeply resented by the next-of-kin of the British subjects who gave their lives in the last great war? Does he intend to take further action?

Mr. Stewart

I share, as I think we all do, the feelings of the hon. and gallant Gentleman, but I think he will agree that this a matter in which we should proceed in consultation with the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.

Mr. Joynson-Hicks

Have the Government taken advantage of the proposal of the Roumanian Government, and has a report been received from our legation on whether the cemeteries in Roumania are being properly looked after?

Mr. Stewart

I have no information about it.

Mr. Bellenger

Are these cemeteries being looked after, and if so, by whom?

Mr. Stewart

We believe that they are being looked after, but in view of what I have said, it is difficult to be certain.