HC Deb 25 February 1948 vol 447 cc1930-1
24. Mr. Warbey

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what reports he has received from the British Labour Attaché in Athens regarding the threatened execution of four members of the Patras Trades Council.

Mr. Bevin

His Majesty's Embassy in Athens have reported that four members of the Patras Trades Council were arrested on 28th April, 1947. They were tried by the emergency court martial procedure at present in operation in Greece, and found guilty of being active members of an illegal and subversive organisation. They were condemned to death on 17th August, but have not yet been executed, and are believed to be still in prison at Nauplion. The House should clearly understand that their membership of the Patras Trades Council was, of course, in no sense an offence.

Mr. Warbey

Is my right hon. Friend aware that these men were in exile at the time that the offence alleged against them was committed? Will he continue to watch the matter and urge, not only that these men should not be executed but, if possible, that their sentences be quashed?