§ 20. Sir Waldron Smithersasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the position of the Loubau refineries in Austria; and whether they have been classed as a German asset or as still belonging to British, American and Dutch interests.
§ Mr. MayhewMy right hon. Friend hopes that this case may be settled along with the general problem of German assets in Austria at the current meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers. 12 There is as yet no quadripartite agreement on the classification of these refineries.
§ Sir W. SmithersWill the hon. Gentleman convey to his right hon. Friend at these meetings that this is further evidence of the policy of the Soviet Government to seize everything they can in occupied countries, and will he make a strong protest against the continuation of this policy of robbery?
§ Mr. MayhewI think that this particular case is now fairly well merged in the general problem which, no doubt, will be under discussion.
§ Colonel Crosthwaite-EyreIs not the hon. Gentleman prepared to give some indication of the policy of His Majesty's Government on this most vital point?
§ Mr. MayhewWe have already made clear our attitude. We have addressed protests on the subject, and the replies we have had have not been satisfactory.
§ Colonel Crosthwaite-EyreWill His Majesty's Government press this point at the present Conference?
§ Mr. MayhewI have nothing to add to what I have already said.
§ Sir W. SmithersDoes not the hon. Gentleman realise that this merging and sinking of particular points into the mass is part of the technique of the Soviet Government?