§ 18. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has information that Socialists and Communists are being hanged by the Hungarian Government; whether the British representative in Hungary intervened with a view to saving the Socialists Otto Korvin and Eugen Laszlo, and whether they were hanged, nevertheless; and whether any British officials or officers have been present at any executions in Hungary?
§ The ADDITIONAL PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Lieut.-Colonel Sir Hamar Greenwood)A number of Hungarian subjects were recently executed at Buda Pesth after trial, and conviction, on charges of murder and other crimes, there being no extenuating circumstances. The British military representative, who had been authorised to use his discretion in making friendly representations in case he considered that there was a danger of grave injustice being done, informally discussed with the Minister of the Interior the possibility of postponing the executions so as to give time for further consideration, but it was found that the Hungarian executive were powerless, without violating their constitution, to interfere with the decisions of the highest court of justice. According to the report furnished by His Majesty's High Commissioner at Buda Pesth, the trials were conducted in open court with every fairness and in strict accordance with the law, the prisoners being given every opportunity for proper defence. I am not aware of any British officers having witnessed this or other executions in Hungary.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYWill my hon. and gallant Friend make inquiries so that statements in the Press can be denied that British officers have been present at these hangings?
§ Sir H. BRITTAINIs this country responsible for the internal affairs of Hungary?
§ Mr. DEVLINHas this country not enough to answer for in its criminalities in Ireland?