§ 14. Mr. Platts-Millsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what complaints were made by the participating authorities in the Allied Kommandatura as to the work of the Kulturbund zur demokratischen Erneuerung Deutschlands in re-educating the German people in the spirit of democracy and international understanding; on what dates were they made; and by whom.
§ Mr. MayhewI am not aware that any such complaint has been made.
§ Mr. Platts-MillsIs my hon. Friend aware that this organisation of some 120,000 people includes leading writers, scientists, actors, etc., from all the sectors and zones of Germany, that up to the date of the ban imposed by my right hon. Friend, it enjoyed the highest support of the occupation authorities in each of the zones, and will he bear that in mind?
§ Mr. MayhewI am not clear what my hon. Friend means. In point of fact, no application has been received from this organisation.
§ Mr. ShepherdWill the hon. Gentleman give an undertaking that when he has finished re-educating the Germans in the spirit of democracy and international understanding, he will turn to others in equally urgent need of re-education?
§ 17. Mr. Platts-Millsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the Kulturbund zur demokratischen Erneuerung Deutschlands addressed an application on 30th October to the Allied Kommandatura for permission to function once again in all sectors in Berlin; that as no unanimous decision was reached, the application was remitted to the Allied Control Council; and whether he will instruct the British representative on the Control Council to support the application when it comes up for consideration.
§ Mr. MayhewNo, Sir. The Kulturbund has not yet addressed an application to the Allied Kommandatura for permission to function. The British representatives in Berlin have already stated that they are prepared to give such an application favourable consideration if and when submitted.
§ Mr. Platts-MillsWill my hon. Friend he good enough to inquire whether or not an application has been received?
§ Mr. MayhewI think that my hon. Friend is misinformed, and that the application to which he is referring was an inquiry whether it was necessary to apply.