HC Deb 27 January 1947 vol 432 cc590-1
34. Sir Arthur Salter

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement as to the measures to be taken to safeguard the future of the Yugoslavs who are now in Italy.

Mr. McNeil

I regret that I am not yet in a position to make such a statement.

Sir A. Salter

Do the Government accept responsibility for the safety of these people, with the possible exception of only a few, who may be war criminals by our standards or in our judgment?

Mr. McNeil

I hope that the quantitative phrase which the right hon. Gentleman uses is accurate, but I hope to be excused from assenting to that. I can say that, for people against whom no prima faciecase is established, the Government accept responsibility, and I give the right hon. Gentleman the assurance that we will not attempt to run away from it.