HC Deb 31 January 1945 vol 407 cc1431-2
12. Mr. G. Strauss

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement about the meeting between the Greek Government and representatives of the E.L.A.S. and E.A.M.; and what conditions have been made by the Regent as to which parties the E.A.M. delegates should or should not represent.

Mr. Law

The conditions which the Regent has made are that the delegations on each side should be limited to three members, assisted by a small number of technical advisers, and that the representatives of E.L.A.S. should be the leading members of the Communist Party. I understand that E.L.A.S. have agreed to limit their delegation to three members but that discussions are still proceeding as to its composition.

Mr. Strauss

In view of the fact that the Foreign Secretary has stated that it is the object of His Majesty's Government that E.A.M. Ministers should form part of the Greek Government, may I ask whether the reason is in order to substantiate the story, since proved untrue, that the Socialist and Radical parties have left E.A.M.?

Mr. Law

As my hon. Friend will understand, this is a matter for the Regent. I imagine that he is insisting on the delegates being of a certain complexion in order to make sure that this time they will deliver the goods, which has not always been done. I must say that I cannot understand the reference of my hon. Friend to the fact that statements that E.A.M. and E.L.A.S. have shed the Socialist and Democratic parties are now proved to be unfounded. The only proof that I have seen of that is an extremely irresponsible speech made by the hon. Baronet the Member for Barnstaple (Sir R. Acland) in this House yesterday.

Mr. Strauss

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the chairman of E.L.T., the Socialist party, a very respected man, is one of those whom—

Hon. Members

Order.

Mr. Speaker

I cannot see what possible connection that has with this Question.

Mr. Gallacher

On a point of Order. The Minister—

Mr. Speaker

Question 13.

Mr. Gallacher

—has said that there is no evidence anywhere.

Mr. Speaker

That is neither a question nor a point of Order.

Mr. Gallacher

On a point of Order—

Hon. Members

Order, order.

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member must not stand up when I have called the next Question. The hon. Member must obey my Ruling.