HC Deb 24 March 1943 vol 387 c1599
1. Mr. Astor

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the fact that Greece is fighting on our side, any steps can be taken in regard to the policy being pursued by the Bulgarian Government in the Greek territory occupied by their forces?

The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Richard Law)

The information in the possession of His Majesty's Government shows that the Greek inhabitants in the territory in Bulgarian occupation are being treated with great brutality. The Bulgarian Government are also making a systematic attempt to denationalise this Greek territory, and many of its present inhabitants are being expelled in order to make room for Bulgarian immigrants. His Majesty's Government regard as null and void any legislation or other acts by the Bulgarian Government which are aimed at Bulgarising the Greek territory which they covet. All these measures of expropriation and expulsion, for which the Bulgarian Government must be held responsible, will have to be undone at the end of the war.

Mr. Astor

Is my right hon. Friend aware that his assurance will give great satisfaction to our gallant Allies, who are putting up a magnificent fight, not only with their forces outside Greece, but the population inside as well?