§ 6. Captain Alan Grahamasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what arrangements have been made either by 768 the Soviet Government, the International Red Cross or by U.N.R.R.A. for the provision of at least as much food, clothing and medical supplies as was possible under the German occupation to the remaining 700,000 of the former population of Warsaw.
§ Mr. EdenI understand that relief is being supplied to Poland by the Soviet Government, but I am not in a position to make a statement on the quantities involved. I have had inquiries made and find that relief taken to Poland by the International Red Cross Committee during the later stages of the German occupation was increasingly hampered by the interruption of communications, and has now been brought to a stop by the development of an active battle front between Switzerland and Poland. U.N.R.R.A. has for some time been preparing food, clothing and medical supplies for despatch to Poland, and I am informed that the first ship of supplies from U.N.R.R.A. is in process of loading now. It is expected that shipments will be made on an increased scale as additional port facilities and means of overland transport in Eastern Europe become available.
Miss RathboneHave the Soviet Government at last consented to the sending of these supplies by U.N.R.R.A.; and have they also consented to the sending of a personal delegation from U.N.R.R.A., as there is considerable anxiety on this matter among circles which are much further to the Left than those represented by the hon. and gallant Gentleman who asked the question?
§ Mr. EdenI am glad of that little instruction. As I understand it, the matter in fact has been settled, but I should like the hon. Lady to put her question down.