§ 3. Major Beamishasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many Yugoslav displaced persons are in Italy in camps and outside camps, respectively; how many Yugoslavs known to be in Italy have been listed by the Yugoslav government as war criminals, traitors or quislings; how many persons in these categories have been apprehended and handed over to the Yugoslav authorities after a prima facie case had been established; and how many Yugoslavs in Italy are known to have fought under Italian or German command against the Allies.
Mr. McNeilAbout 7,000 Yugoslavs are known to be in displaced persons camps in Italy. Another 12,000 who surrendered to British Forces in 1945 are at present being moved from British camps in Italy to the British zone of Germany. 1007 It is impossible to estimate how many Yugoslavs are at large in Italy until the present census which is being undertaken by the Italian Government has been completed. The whereabouts of only a small proportion of those who have been listed by the Yugoslav Government as traitors or quislings are known to His Majesty's Government. Twenty-two of these persons have so. far been surrendered to the Yugoslav authorities by the British military authorities in Italy. Until the screening of Yugoslavs in our hands has been completed it is impossible to say how many have fought under Italian or German command against the Allies.
§ Major BeamishCan the Minister say when this screening will be completed?
Mr. McNeilNo, Sir. I am afraid I could not say any more than that we have assembled personnel and we will go ahead with the screening as quickly as possible, but it is a complex and intricate matter and I would not like to offer a date when it will be ended.
§ Sir Arthur SalterWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether every possible step is being taken to diminish the risk that Yugoslavs who would not in our sense be regarded as war criminals are sent back and treated as such?
Mr. McNeilI am sure that the right hon. Gentleman can be certain that we have been alive to these risks at all times and have taken all steps in our power to safeguard against them.
§ Mr. BramallCan the right hon. Gentleman also ensure that we do not also run the risk of appearing to protect people who often fought against their own people under German and Italian command?
Mr. McNeilThe concern is one which I understand, but the hon. Gentleman can be assured that where there is a prima facie case made against any of these individuals and where the case has been established we will take the necessary action.