HC Deb 21 June 1948 vol 452 cc929-30
20. Mr. T. Reid

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has any further statement to make about the outrage committed in Corfu Channel when the lives of British sailors were lost owing to the placing of mines in the Channel in times of peace.

Mr. McNeil

The Albanian Government have submitted their counter memorial to the International Court within the stipulated time limit. I have nothing further to add to my right hon. Friend's reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Kingston-upon-Thames (Mr. Boyd-Carpenter) on 7th April.

Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore

Are we to understand that Albania is to get away with this savage act without punishment? Is this the measure of our national degradation?

Mr. McNeil

The Albanian Government are following the procedure laid down in the Court to which we, from the beginning, have been anxious that the dispute should be submitted.

Brigadier Rayner

In view of the barbarous murder of British nationals, will the Minister say whether it is still proposed to make a new trade agreement with Russia?

Mr. McNeil

I was asked about the incident in the Corfu Channel on which we have frequently and pointedly expressed ourselves. That would not give rise to the question which the hon. and gallant Member has just put to me.

Mr. Eden

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us exactly where we are—I cannot recollect—as a result of the Albanian reply? What is the next step?

Mr. McNeil

The next step is that the Court shall consider the counter memorial lodged by the Albanian Government. I am sorry that I cannot tell the House much about the counter memorial. It runs to 150 pages. We have just newly received it, and it is in process of being translated.

Mr. Piratin

On a point of Order. As the Minister has said that this matter is sub judice, may I ask why some of these observations have been permitted in reference to this matter?

Mr. Speaker

How was I to know that the matter was sub judice. I heard it just now from the Minister himself. I do not know everything in advance.

Mr. Ronald Chamberlain

Is it possible for the subsequent proceedings of the court to be accelerated in view of the criticism which was recently made by the Foreign Secretary?

Mr. McNeil

The next action rests with us; that is, the reply. We are proceeding with that as fast as we can. We must lodge it before 2nd August. The House can be assured that we shall easily conform to that date.