§ 26. Professor Savoryasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the signature of the treaty with Rumania, his attention has been called to the wholesale arrests of members of the opposition parties which have been taking place since the middle of March; whether he is aware that prisoners are held in the closest detention although no evidence has been brought against them; and whether he will give instructions to His Majesty's Minister at 1934 Bucharest to protest against, this violation of Article Three of the Treaty, which has been already signed, although not yet ratified.
§ Mr. BevinI am aware that arrests of members of the Rumanian Opposition parties have been taking place recently. His Majesty's Government are watching the situation carefully, and should it appear that there has been a breach of Article 3 of the Peace Treaty appropriate action will be taken.
§ Professor SavoryIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that for many months past the Rumanian Government have flouted the Agreements of Potsdam and Yalta, and cannot something be done now to prevent her from setting at naught a Treaty which she so recently signed?
§ Mr. BingIs my right hon. Friend aware that the continued imprisonment of political opponents without trial is entirely justified if the declaration of the Northern Ireland Government is accepted, and would it, therefore, be possible for my right hon. Friend to send a copy of the Northern Ireland Regulations for the internment of political opponents, together with their justification, to these various Governments so that if they desire to imprison their political opponents they can do so in accordance with democratic precedent?
§ Mr. Speakerrose—
§ Mr. NicholsonWith regard to Rumania, this is a great human problem causing much suffering; is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is great sympathy in this country with. Rumania and her sufferings, and attempts are being made to raise a fund to help the starving children of Rumania? Will he convey to the Rumanian Government that these attempts will be prejudiced if there is persecution in Rumania?
§ Mr. BevinI think that all Governments should try to put an end to this war disease and postwar disease as quickly as they can.
§ Sir R. RossIs it in Order, Mr. Speaker, for an hon. Member, under the guise of asking a question on foreign affairs, to try to throw mud at parts of the United Kingdom?
§ Mr. SpeakerI hoped that I had made it clear when I rose to interrupt the hon. Member that his question had not my approval.