HC Deb 06 December 1948 vol 459 c4
13. Mr. Blackburn

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action His Majesty's Government are taking in respect of the establishment of an independent magistrat by the Soviet authorities in the Soviet sector of Berlin.

Mr. Mayhew

This self - styled magistrat, which was not elected but nominated, was set up in the Soviet sector of Berlin by members of the Socialist Unity Party and other Communist-controlled organisations at what was miscalled an extraordinary session of the Berlin City Assembly which had been unconstitutionally convened by the Socialist Unity Deputy-Chairman. This is the culmination of a long Soviet campaign to disrupt the lawful administration of Berlin and to divide the city.

The establishment of this magistrat has been recognised by the Soviet authorities but has been publicly condemned as illegal by British Military Government, who will continue to give its support to the constitutionally elected City Assembly.