HC Deb 10 February 1947 vol 433 cc6-8
9. Mr. Piratin

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware of the deportations of Greek women, children and old people on the orders of security committees; and, in view of the danger of civil disturbances resulting from these deportations and the consequent risk to our troops still in Greece, if he will instruct the ambassador to report on the procedure followed by these security committees, particularly as to whether legal defence is permitted and if the hearings are in public and to press for the fullest legal safeguards.

Mr. McNeil

I am informed that these hearings are not in public and while legal defence is not customary at the Committee of first instance, at the Committee of second instance to which people recommended for deportation may appeal, legal aid may be permitted. His Majesty's Government had already made strong representations to M. Tsaldaris on the subject of deportations. We therefore noted with satisfaction that M. Maximos and his re-formed Government in their declaration of policy promised that the deportation of women and children would be discontinued and sentences of exile would in general be reviewed.

Mr. Piratin

Whilst I thank the right hon. Gentleman for the latter part of that reply and express my pleasure at the promise of review, may I ask him whether he is aware that the women and children who have been deported to the islands happen to be relatives of persons who are not particularly friendly towards the Government of Greece, and that no charges were actually brought against them, and will he have the matter looked into, as on previous occasions?

Mr. McNeil

If the hon. Gentleman gives me any particulars I will, of course, consider them, but I must repeat that, while I cannot accept these facts without evidence, M. Maximos's Government have agreed in general to review these deportations.

Mr. Francis Noel-Baker

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether the new Greek Government have given any undertaking that the persons deported are to be allowed to return home?

Mr. McNeil

I should hardly think that we were in a position to demand an under- Taking from a sovereign Government, but I repeat that M. Maximos's Government have agreed in their declaration of policy to review the matter of deportation and exile.