HC Deb 19 February 1946 vol 419 c947
27. Mr. Zilliacus

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the number of former Balts, Esthonians, Latvians and Lithuanians employed as Russian interpreters by His Majesty's forces in Europe; and how many of these Balts were in the Wehrmacht, the Todt Organisation, Rosenberg's propaganda department or worked for the German Government in some capacity during the war.

Mr. Lawson

I regret that the information asked for is not readily available and could not be obtained without a great deal of research.

Mr. Zilliacus

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the military authorities in the American Zone in Germany have recently declared that a very large proportion of the Russian interpreters in their Zone have proved to have very bad collaborationist records, and will he make searching inquiry in regard to them to ensure that no persons who have been in the Wehrmacht, the Todt Organisation or Rosenberg's propaganda department shall be employed by His Majesty's Government as interpreters?

Mr. Lawson

I will take note of the hon. Member's observations.