HC Deb 12 November 1947 vol 444 cc367-8
19. Mr. Hollis

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on what grounds the British Military Attaché in Moscow, Major-General Hilton, was recently arrested by the Soviet authorities.

Mr. Bevin

The Military Attaché at His Majesty's Embassy in Moscow was detained for several hours on 30th October by the authorities of a factory near Moscow who suspected him of having taken photographs of it. The only circumstance which could conceivably have given ground for this suspicion was that the Military Attaché, who was out for a walk in civilian clothes, used field glasses in looking towards the Lenin Hills. These glasses might have been mistaken for a camera.

Mr. Hollis

Have representations been made to the Soviet Government?

Mr. Bevin

Yes, Sir.

Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore

Does the Soviet Military Attaché in London ever wander about in civilian clothes?

Mr. Sydney Silverman

In order to complete the story, is it not a fact that this gentleman was released as soon as his identity was established?

Mr. Bevin

Well, it took a little time.