HC Deb 07 March 1945 vol 408 cc1997-8
6. Professor Savory

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on what ethnological or historical grounds His Majesty's Government have agreed to the City of Konigsberg being ceded to Russia.

Mr. Eden

As has been frequently stated it is the view of His Majesty's Government that East Prussia should be detached from Germany and the German population removed from it. In such conditions it would seem that the Soviet claim to Koenigsberg has justification. So far as I am aware, there is no considerable Polish element in the city.

Professor Savory

Have we abandoned Clause 5 of the Anglo-Soviet Treaty under which we mutually renounced all territorial aggrandisement in this war?

Mr. Eden

My hon. Friend had better re-read Clause 5 and the second part of the Anglo-Soviet Treaty, which refers to the post-war period. The Prime Minister made it quite clear, in respect of the Atlantic Charter, that we did not consider that it applied to enemy territory.

Mr. Gallacher

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the hon. Member is afraid that this might be used as a precedent for ceding Belfast to Ireland?