HC Deb 14 March 1945 vol 409 cc203-4
2. Mr. Stokes

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many persons on the finance section of the Allied Control Commission for the Occupation of Germany speak German; and whether any of them have had residential experience in Germany prior to the outbreak of war.

Mr. Eden

I would refer to the reply given to my right hon. Friend the Member for South-West Bethnal Green (Sir P. Harris) on 31st January by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State.

I may add, however, that although the official business of the British side of the control machinery will be conducted in English, a considerable proportion of the present staff of the finance section speak German, and have had residential experience in Germany before the war.

Mr. Stokes

Is it not possible to give us more precise figures? I am told that of the large number of people who are going, practically none speaks German.

Mr. Eden

I should say that the proportion is about half.