§ 40. Mr. Piratinasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is to be the function of the British Military Com mission in Greece, now that a joint- Greek-American Army Staff is being established; and to what extent there is to be co-operation between the British Military Commission and the American corps of Officers to be attached to the Greek Army.
§ Mr. MayhewThese matters are under consideration at the present time.
§ Mr. PiratinNow that the Greek Army is taking orders from the United States Government as to how it should conduct its affairs, surely there is no need in Greece for the British Military Mission and 1590 no need to spend any further British funds on that purpose? Can the Minister there fore give an assurance—
§ Mr. SpeakerThat is pure argument and nothing else, and that is out of Order at Question Time.
§ Mr. PiratinCan the Minister at this stage give an assurance that the British Military Mission will be withdrawn immediately in view of the fact that its function has ceased?
§ Mr. MayhewI cannot accept all the implications in the hon. Member's previous question, and I have nothing to add to what I have said, that we are considering this matter.
§ Mr. Francis Noel-BakerIs the Minister aware that in the present circumstances and in view of the intensification of intervention from over Greece's northern frontiers, the arrival of these officers will be very widely welcomed by Greek democrats? Is he further aware that the atrocities committed in Greece are by no means confined to the Right Wing, and that the only final solution to the continued devastation of Greece is international action to end the civil war?
§ Mr. MayhewYes, Sir. I appreciate those sentiments. Further, in fairness it should be stated that not only are the atrocities not confined to the Government side, but that they are far worse and more numerous on the other side.