§ 38. Captain Francis Noel-Bakerasked 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 RopnerWould the right hon. Gentleman say whether he would attach any importance to any assurance given by the Soviet Government?
§ 48 Mr. Gammansasked 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-BakerI 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. GammansDo 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-BakerThey have not been allowed to visit the two countries mentioned in the hon Member's Question.
§ Mr. GammansCannot a representation be made by His Majesty's Government protesting against that obviously unfriendly act on the part of the Soviet Government?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerWe discussed the matter with the Soviet Government and endeavoured to secure permission, but were not successful.