HC Deb 11 February 1948 vol 447 cc374-5
43. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will arrange for the publication of the diplomatic documents relating to Anglo-Russian relations in World War No. 2 to be edited by a competent neutral historian.

Mr. Bevin

No, Sir. It would be highly unusual for any Government to give a foreigner that complete access to their own confidential wartime documents which is required by the editors of this project. However, as my right hon. Friend the Minister of State indicated to my hon. Friend the Member for Shoreditch (Mr. Thurtle) on 28th January, His Majesty's Government are employing impartial British historians of international repute to edit the documents.

Mr. Hughes

Has my right hon. Friend yet come to any decision about publishing the documents as requested by the Leader of the Opposition? If so, will he consider the impression it would make on neutral opinion throughout the world if we did have an objective account of Anglo-Russian relations before the world at the same time?

Mr. Stokes

Would not these documents, if published, reveal that the proposals made were as corrupt as the proposals made by the Germans and agreed to by the Russians?

Mr. Bevin

I think I should have notice of all these questions. They do not arise from the main Question.