HC Deb 20 January 1943 vol 386 cc184-6
11. Miss Rathbone

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will report on any action taken since December, 1942, by His Majesty's Government, separately or in co-operation with the other United Nations, for the rescue of political refugees and of persons threatened by the Nazi policy of exterminating European Jewry?

4. Major Vyvyan Adams

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the urgent necessity to do everything possible to assist the Jewish victims of the fresh phase of German persecution, he will now define clearly the policy of His Majesty's Government towards any Jewish refugee who may succeed in escaping from German-controlled territory?

9. Professor A. V. Hill

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether steps are being taken, either by His Majesty's Government or in consultation with the United Nations, to offer asylum to refugees from enemy, or enemy-occupied, countries, who avoid extermination by escape to neighbouring territories?

13. Mr. Lipson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what practical steps have been taken, or are contemplated in the near future, to rescue Jews threatened by the Nazi policy of extermination?

Mr. Eden

I would refer my hon. Friends to the reply given on this subject yesterday by my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister.

Miss Rathbone

In view of the fact that the Deputy Prime Minister's answer referred to those who make their way to countries not under German control, will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the first step towards getting into a neutral country from an enemy country is obviously to get a visa from Great Britain, and, even if that Visa is never executed, it is of very great assistance in escaping from an enemy country to a neutral? Will that point be very much borne in mind?

Mr. Eden

I am afraid the hon. lady is misinformed. That situation does not arise now. That was the situation before the occupation of Unoccupied France.

Mr. Shinwell

In view of the excellent sentiment expressed by the Government on this very important matter, can the right hon. Gentleman explain why we refused visas for 2,000 French Jewish children, who, we understand, have since been deported to Germany?

Mr. Eden

I should like to have notice of that question. My right hon. Friend explained that we are engaged on two sets of proposals to meet the situation. One is to do what we can in certain areas for which we are responsible, and the other is to try to get an international arrangement so that everyone may help. This is a matter in which everyone should help.

Mr. Lipson

Has the stage been nearly reached when concrete proposals could be put to the German Government?

Mr. Eden

I do not know about concrete proposals to the German Government, but I hope there will be concrete results.

Mr. John Dugdale

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that any facilities given to Jewish refugees are given to all refugees?

Mr. Eden

That is a definite principle in all these proposals.

Mr. Silverman

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that expressions of moral indignation will lose a great part of their force unless they are accompanied by the actual initiation of steps for practical help?

Mr. Eden

The hon. Member heard the Deputy Prime Minister's answer. That is exactly what we are doing in two directions, one within our own limitations and one by trying to get international agreement; and, if we can, we are ready to make our contribution to that arrangement. I do not think the hon. Member's strictures are deserved.

14. Mr. Graham White

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information about the Jewish refugee children in Iran who were hoping to reach Palestine via Iraq?

Mr. Eden

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply to a similar Question on the same subject which was put yesterday by my hon. Friend the Member for Consett (Mr. D. Adams).