HC Deb 16 July 1947 vol 440 cc380-1
17. Mr. Austin

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why he recently sent a letter of protest to the Polish Government regarding certain arrests; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Mayhew

My right hon. Friend has not sent any recent note to the Polish Government protesting against arrests.

Mr. Austin

On what date was the protest made?

Mr. Mayhew

Possibly my hon. Friend has misread reports in the Press to the effect that we have asked our Embassy in Warsaw for information on this question. That is not the same thing as a protest to the Government.

Professor Savory

Has the hon. Gentleman any information with regard to Mr. Puzak, Secretary-General of the Polish Socialist Party, and one of the most respected political leaders in Poland, and to five other Socialists whose names I shall give him?

Mr. Mayhew

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman would put down a Question on the subject.

Mr. H. Hynd

With regard to the last supplementary question about the Polish Socialists, can my hon. Friend say why he has not already dealt with the matter?

Mr. Mayhew

We asked for information. I am well aware that these reports have caused anxiety among my hon. Friends. My right hon. Friend has made it clear on other occasions that he deplores political arrests.

Mr. Austin

Would the Foreign Office consider exercising discretion and sending a similar letter to Greece in regard to the recent arrests?