HC Deb 30 May 1945 vol 411 cc192-3
7. Sir Geoffrey Mander

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will state the present position with regard to the Austrian Provisional Government; and whether the British Government now intends to recognise this Government.

Mr. Eden

I have at present no further statement to make about the Provisional Austrian Government, except to say that it is not recognised by His Majesty's Government.

Sir G. Mander

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how far this Government exercises any kind of authority in Austria?

Mr. Eden

No, I cannot, because we are not there to see. Our attitude is that we cannot recognise the Government until such time as our part of the Allied Commission has a full opportunity to see for itself.

Mr. Vernon Bartlett

When will our part of the Commission be in Vienna?

Mr. Eden

As the hon. Member knows, there have been a number of obstacles in the matter but I hope, now that they are being removed, that before very long we shall have our people there.

Mr. Ness Edwards

Has one of the Austrian democratic deputies who have been at Buchenwald had an opportunity of returning to Vienna?

Mr. Eden

I could not say without notice. Perhaps the hon. Member will put a Question down.