HC Deb 04 March 1946 vol 420 cc15-6
38. Captain Francis Noel-Baker

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make renewed representations to the Soviet Government to permit the Anglo-American Inquiry Commission on Palestine to take evidence in Soviet-occupied countries.

The Minister of State (Mr. Philip Noel-Baker)

The Anglo-American Committee on Palestine are now in Cairo, and I think that it would probably be impracticable for them to visit the European territories occupied by the Soviet Army even if the necessary permission could be obtained.

Colonel Ropner

Would the right hon. Gentleman say whether he would attach any importance to any assurance given by the Soviet Government?

Hon. Members

Answer.

48 Mr. Gammans

asked the Prime Minister if any representations have been made to the Government of the U.S.S.R. protesting against their refusal to allow the Anglo-American Commission on Palestine to enter Hungary and Roumania.

Mr. Noel-Baker

I have been asked to reply. Since the Anglo-American Committee have now left Europe the representations suggested by the hon. Member would serve in the Government's view no useful purpose.

Mr. Gammans

Do I understand from the reply that the Committee are not allowed by a friendly Ally to visit those two countries in Europe in which there still remain more Jews than in any other part of Europe?

Mr. Noel-Baker

They have not been allowed to visit the two countries mentioned in the hon Member's Question.

Mr. Gammans

Cannot a representation be made by His Majesty's Government protesting against that obviously unfriendly act on the part of the Soviet Government?

Mr. Noel-Baker

We discussed the matter with the Soviet Government and endeavoured to secure permission, but were not successful.

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