HC Deb 05 March 1946 vol 420 cc175-6
49. Mr. Stokes

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware that Dr. Lysiak, Chairman of the Ukrainian Representative Committee for the British Zone, was arrested in Hanover on 15th January; and whether he will give the reason for this arrest.

The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Mr. John Hynd)

Dr. Lysiak is at present detained for interrogation because of suspected anti-Allied propaganda activities both during and after the war.

Mr. Stokes

Is my hon. Friend aware that this man was accepted by the British authorities as the de facto leader of this organisation, and that these dreadful persecutions have broken out again since the beginning of February? Forcible repatriation is still the order of the day in the British occupied zone, despite my hon. Friend's promise that it should not be.

Mr. Hynd

I am not aware of what is suggested in the latter part of that supplementary question. In regard to the earlier part, I do not think it can be said that interrogation is necessarily an atrocity or an excess.

Mr. Stokes

In view of the fact that this man is in a displaced persons camp, why is it necessary to arrest him? It is perfectly easy to interrogate a man in a camp without making it appear to his fellows that he is a criminal. If I cannot have an answer, may I ask another question?

Mr. Hynd

It appears that the suggestion in that supplementary question is that no person who happens to be in a displaced persons camp should be arrested, irrespective of what charges may be made against him. I cannot accept that.

Mr. Stokes

On a point of Order. In view of the fact that I am not allowed to pursue this Question, I give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment, if I am lucky.

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