HC Deb 22 July 1946 vol 425 cc1665-6
69. Mr. Wilkes

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will bring to the attention of those British prison advisers serving Athens with the British Police Mission, who are charged with giving aid in the reorganisation of the Greek prisons, paragraph 104, on page 24, of the Report of the British Legal Mission to Greece; and whether he will ask the British Police Mission to ascertain why these prisoners are not serving their sentences under the same prison conditions as are the present 12,000 ex-E.L.A.S. internees.

Mr. Noel-Baker

I share my hon. Friend's concern at the discrimination shown by the Greek Government in the exceptionally favourable treatment which has been given, since their arrest nearly two years ago, to the 27 men who were leading collaborators with the Germans. In general, as I am sure my hon. Friend will agree, the purpose of the Police Mission must be to improve the conditions in the other prisons. Advice to this effect has been given to the Greek Government. There has been a considerable improvement since the law for the de-congestion of the prisons was adopted, and I hope this improvement may continue.

Mr. Wilkes

While I thank my right hon. Friend for part of that reply, may I ask him whether he is aware that this paragraph draws attention to the fact that these Quislings are living in converted flats, with wireless sets, electric heaters and unlimited food brought in from outside, and is not this a particularly appropriate case for intervention by the British police officers and British authorities now in liaison with the Greek Government?

Mr. Noel-Baker

These men have received special treatment from all Greek Governments since they were arrested, and I believe it is on the theory that they are ex-Ministers. I have already said that the British Government view this discrimination with concern.

Mr. Wilkes

Is my right hon. Friend prepared to give instructions to the British police officers in Greece that they should make representations about this extremely disgusting matter?

Mr. Noel-Baker

Unless I am mistaken they have already done so.

Mr. Pritt

Can my right hon. Friend persuade the present Greek Government to live in the converted flats and let the Greek people govern Greece?

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