HC Deb 01 December 1948 vol 458 cc1973-4
12. Mr. Vane

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why the Control Commission continues to employ German born subjects who may have later obtained British nationality as British Press officers in Hanover, in view of the fact that this background combined with earlier service as sergeants in the Field Security Police does not command the respect of the German Press.

Mr. Mayhew

There is at present no Press officer of the Control Commission in Hanover who answers the description given by the hon. Member. A number of naturalised British subjects of German origin are employed by the Information Services Division of the Commission but I have no reason to believe that they do not command the respect of the German Press.

Mr. Vane

Does the Under-Secretary realise that the employment of these émigrés in considerable numbers does not help us to command that respect which we should like to have in Germany?

Mr. Mayhew

I know of a number of émigrés who have done excellent service in this way. I am aware of no one who falls within the category referred to in the Question.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Can my hon. Friend give an assurance that these officers will not be removed to make way for ex-Nazis with a less satisfactory political background?

Mr. Mayhew

Each case will be judged on its merits.

Mr. Vane

Is it not possible for us to have English-born officers to carry out this job and not Germans?