§ 66. Mr. MANDERasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what changes have been made in the British consulate staff at Budapest during the last two years, and the names and positions of the staff at the present time?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE, for LEAGUE of NATIONS AFFAIRS (Mr. Eden)As the answer is rather long I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Mr. MANDERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a good deal of dissatisfaction in the British colony at recent changes in the consulate?
§ Mr. EDENNo, Sir, I am not aware of it. I am satisfied that the staffing arrangements at the consulate are in accordance with the public interest.
§ Mr. MANDERThe question was whether the right hon. Gentleman was aware that there is a good deal of dissatisfaction in the British colony?
§ Following is the answer:
§ In July, 1933, the post of Vice-Consul at Budapest was temporarily vacant and the Vice-Consulate was in the charge of a 1205 Pro-Consul, assisted by a clerk-typist and a messenger. In October, 1933, a career Vice-Consul took up his appointment to the post. In May, 1934, the post of Pro-Consul was suppressed. In September, 1934, the Vice-Consul left Budapest on leave prior to his transfer to another post. He was temporarily replaced for a month by the Passport Control Officer and subsequently by another career Vice-Consul. In January, 1935, the salaried Vice-Consulate at Budapest was suppressed and since then the consular work has been performed under the supervision of the Commercial Secretary. In April, 1935, a clerk was engaged for consular duties and was granted the honorary rank of Vice-Consul. The Consular staff at present is as follows: Mr. S. Bracher, honorary Vice-Consul, Miss Strasser, clerk-typist; a messenger.