HC Deb 25 February 1948 vol 447 cc1938-9
22. Mr. Gammans

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the circumstances which led the British Chargé d'Affaires to leave the Red Army celebrations in Vienna.

Mr. Bevin

On 22nd February, the British Chargé d'Affaires in Vienna, Mr. Cheetham, attended officially, as guest of the Austrian Society for Cultural and Economic Relations with the Soviet Union, a function in honour of the 30th anniversary of the Red Army. Unfortunately, the Soviet Commander-in-Chief and High Commissioner in Austria, Colonel General Kurásov, made this the occasion for an attack, couched in the most offensive terms, against the so-called Imperialist Powers and directed particularly against Great Britain and the United States of America. Amongst other things, General Kurásov accused these Powers of having subsidised Hitler to launch his attack on the Soviet Union, and of now preparing an attack of their own. Both Mr. Cheetham and his United States colleague felt that it would be inappropriate and undignified for representatives of the two Allied Powers concerned to remain in the hall while their countries were being subjected to insult and abuse by the representative of a third Allied Power, in the presence of a large Austrian audience. They therefore left the hall while General Kurásov was still speaking.

I can only add to this account that His Majesty's Government fully endorse the action of Mr. Cheetham, and deplore the circumstances which obliged him to take it.

Mr. Gammans

In view of the fact that the Russians have repeatedly shown that they do not wish to be bound by the elementary courtesies of international intercourse, would it not be better if our representatives refrained from attending functions of this sort?

Professor Savory

Has not a written protest been sent protesting against these statements?

Mr. Bevin

I assume it will be dealt with when the Allied Council meet in Vienna, but such action will be repeated the next day just the same. There is something in the Question which has just been put which I feel I ought to consider.

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