HC Deb 16 February 1948 vol 447 cc815-6
34. Major Beamish

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that the Governments of Hungary, Bulgaria and Roumania are giving material and moral support to Greeks fighting against the legally elected Government of Greece, and as this action is in contravention of the political clauses of the Peace Treaty, what protests have been made and what action is being taken to stop any further support being given to the Greek rebels.

Mr. McNeil

His Majesty's Government are aware that Committees for Aid to the Markos rebels have been set up in Hungary, Bulgaria and Roumania. Such Committees could not function without the sanction and indeed support of the respective Governments; but they have no direct evidence that the three Governments as such are giving concrete aid to the rebels. The hon. and gallant Member will be aware that the activities of Bulgaria and the other limitrophe States in favour of the Greek rebels have been, and are still, the subject of observation by ad hoc Committees of the United Nations. I should add that I welcome this opportunity publicly to express the strong disapproval of His Majesty's Government of all activities intended to assist or encourage rebellion against the legally elected Government of Greece.

Major Beamish

Is the Minister aware that in all three countries the Governments have openly boasted of the help which is being given to General Markos? In those circumstances, does he not agree that any further consideration of the application of those countries for member- ship of the United Nations organisation is unthinkable?

Mr. McNeil

The question of application is a separate one, and His Majesty's Government will continue to consider those matters on their merits, as applications come forward. I should repeat that, however greatly we disapprove of the activities we know about, we have no evidence of concrete support.

Mr. Joynson-Hicks

Is it not a term of the peace treaties that in matters of this sort the Governments of these countries should disclose all information required by us; and what action have His Majesty's Government taken in order to obtain the information from the Governments in these other countries?

Hon. Members

Answer.