HC Deb 11 October 1944 vol 403 cc1726-7
12. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any definite decisions have been reached regarding the compulsory transfer of Germans from East Prussia, Danzig, Silesia and Sudetenland to the German Reich; how many are estimated to be involved in such a transfer, particularly from Sudetenland; whether this will apply to Sudetenland German Social-Democrats and other anti-Nazis; and what method it is proposed to adopt in any discrimination between working-class families to be transferred and those not to be transferred.

Mr. Law

I am not at present in a position to make any statement on this subject, which is not one that His Majesty's Government can decide unilaterally, since it concerns many of the United Nations:

Mr. Sorensen

Does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that it would be an outrage to transfer Sudeten Social-Democrats to Germany in any circumstances? Is any attempt being made to define the political affiliations of these people?

Mr. Law

I certainly appreciate the considerations in the hon. Gentleman's mind. When I say that I am not in a position to make a statement, that really means that I cannot make a statement.

Mr. Sorensen

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to see that these very determined anti-Fascist German Social-Democrats shall not be transferred?

Mr. G. Strauss

In view of the importance of this matter, and the serious effect that the transfer of these vast populations would have on the settlement of Europe, will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that no decision will be taken in this matter without consulting the House?

Mr. Law

Of course the Government will consult the House as far as it is possible to do so, but in many of these matters it is essential to act quickly.