HC Deb 11 October 1944 vol 403 cc1719-20
1. Captain Duncan

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Bulgarian troops have now left Yugoslavia and Greece.

The Minister of State (Mr. Richard Law)

No, Sir. Although the Bulgarian Government profess their readiness to withdraw completely from Yugoslavia and Greece and to hand over the administration to the local authorities, this withdrawal in practice has been limited and Bulgarian troops still remain on Allied territory.

Captain Duncan

Is not that very unsatisfactory in view of what may be necessary for the peace terms, and will my right hon. Friend state when the Armistice terms will be carried into effect?

Mr. Law

Yes, Sir, it is extremely unsatisfactory. The Bulgarian Government can be in no doubt about the attitude of His Majesty's Government, for we have repeatedly declared that they will have to evacuate the territories they have filched and robbed from Allied nations. With regard to the Armistice terms, discussions on that matter are still in progress.

Mr. Riley

Is pressure now being applied on the Bulgarians to carry out the withdrawal of their troops in the territories referred to?

Mr. Law

Yes, Sir, I think everything possible is being done, and as I have said, there is no doubt whatever about the attitude of His Majesty's Government in the matter.

Mr. Ivor Thomas

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether this unsatisfactory position has arisen through bad faith on the part of the Bulgarian Government, or inability to control their troops?

Mr. Law

I do not think I can give a reply to that question offhand.