HC Deb 27 March 1946 vol 421 cc364-5
41. Mr. Cocks

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will give an assurance that it is the intention of the Government to withdraw the British Forces from Greece immediately after the coming election, whatever the result of that election may be.

Mr. Bevin

I am most anxious to get British troops out of Greece, and they will be withdrawn as soon after the elections as conditions allow. But there are certain conditions that must be fulfilled. The House may, however, be assured that they will be withdrawn at the earliest possible date.

Mr. Cocks

Will the Minister bear in mind that there is a good deal of feeling that British troops should not again be involved in civil strife in Greece, should such strife follow the election?

Mr. Bevin

I can only hope that all the parties in Greece will exercise the ballot and not the bullet.

Mr. Wilson Harris

Is the Minister aware of the case in which, when one devil came out of a man, seven other devils went into him, and has he applied his mind to the possibility of that kind of thing?

Mr. Bevin

I never understood that that happened to my hon. Friend.

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