HC Deb 30 May 1945 vol 411 cc196-7
17. Captain McEwen

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action His Majesty's Government propose to take to alleviate the sufferings of the Catholic population of Croatia under Marshal Tito's regime, in view of the responsibility incurred by Great Britain through the assistance rendered by us to the National Liberation Movement.

Mr. Eden

My hon. and gallant friend will understand that I cannot accept the implication that the assistance rendered by us to the National Liberation Movement of Yugoslavia in the struggle against Germany makes His Majesty's Government responsible for the internal administration of the Yugoslav State. This must remain the responsibility of the Yugoslav Government.

Captain McEwen

Would it not be as well, in any case, to make it clear to Marshal Tito that it is not the policy of the Allied Powers, having got rid of one illiberal Power in Europe, to encourage the substitution of another?

Mr. Gallacher

Will the Government see that British soldiers are not used as mercenaries empowered to re-establish landlords in any country in the Balkans?

Mr. Eden

Our position is quite clear. So far as we have influence in any of these lands, it will be to do all we can to allow the people of a country to choose the government and administration they want.