§ 79. Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to a notice issued from the German passport office in London to the effect that any person desiring to visit Germany must first obtain the permission of the German police authorities of the proposed place of residence, either direct or, better still, through a German friend or relative; whether this regulation would definitely apply to relatives of British officers desiring to visit Cologne; whether that town is still in the British area and, if so, why permission has to be thus obtained; and 1656 whether the German consular fees varying from £1 10s. to £7 10s. have to be paid under these circumstances?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Churchill)My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. As regards the first part of the question, the notice issued from the German passport office contains the instructions for the general travelling public only. The regulation does not apply under present arrangements to relatives or servants of officers and other ranks serving with the British Army of Occupation or to other persons travelling on the business of a Government Office. The authority for these persons to travel to occupied territory is conferred by the visa of their passport by the British Military Permit Office in London. They do not have to communicate with the German passport office in London; nor is any permission sought or obtained from the German police authorities. The last two parts of the hon. Member's question do not therefore arise.
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that relatives of officers have been given this notice and asked for two or three particulars?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNo. The publicity given to the subject to-day will avoid such a mistake being made in the future.