HC Deb 24 February 1943 vol 387 cc147-8
14. Mr. Riley

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any official information as to the truce between the authorised leader of the Yugoslav forces fighting in Yugoslavia and the Italian military authorities which recognises the occupation by Italian forces of a number of districts in Herzegovina?

Mr. Eden

No, Sir.

Mr. Riley

Although the right hon. Gentleman has not any official information, has he any information whatever as to the reported agreement which has been existing between the leader of the Yugoslav forces fighting in Yugoslavia and the Italians, and as to the occupation of certain districts in Herzegovina by Italian troops, an agreement which has been broken by the Axis Powers sending in Quisling forces?

Mr. Eden

I have heard rumours, but I have no confirmation.

Mr. Rhys Davies

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries, because there are reports on this subject which are rather ominous?

Mr. Eden

I do not know whether the hon. Gentleman has considered the full meaning of what he said about making inquiries, as it is enemy-occupied territory, but naturally we do all we can to obtain reliable information about an extremely complicated and tangled situation.

15. Mr. Driberg

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement on the Soviet Government's allegation that General Mihailovich has been collaborating with Axis forces in Yugoslavia?

Mr. Eden

No, Sir. I am unable to make any statement on the matter, which I understand is under discussion between the Soviet and Yugoslav Governments.

Mr. Driberg

Is there a liaison between the Yugoslav propaganda which is put out through the B.B.C. and the free Yugoslav propaganda which comes from further East?

Mr. Eden

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put that Question on the Order Paper.