§ 15. Mrs. Ayrton Gouldasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware of the frequent cases of abduction of Austrian citizens in the British zone by forces of the occupying powers; and what action he will take to put a stop to these attacks on civil liberties in Austria.
§ Mr. MayhewThere is, of course, no question of the abduction of Austrian citizens from the British zone by British Forces, but my right hon. Friend has long been aware of the deplorable fact that abductions are taking place in Austria. Recently an important official of the Austrian State Railways who was due to attend an international conference at Geneva disappeared, and there have been further cases since. These abductions have always occurred either in the Soviet zone of Austria or in Vienna in circumstances in which the British authorities are, unfortunately, unable to intervene. We have, however, constantly striven, and shall continue to strive, to bring about the restoration of normal conditions of life in Austria.
§ Mrs. Ayrton GouldIs my hon. Friend aware that these abductions are going on? Another one is stated in the Press today to have taken place. Cannot any stronger action be taken to prevent the continuance of these appalling affairs?
§ Mr. MayhewWe agree that these abductions are taking place and are deplorable. The difficulty is to know what effective action we can take. As I have explained they do not take place 1683 in the British zone but in the Soviet zone of Austria and very often they are done in circumstances where intervention by our authorities is not possible. In those circumstances we find it difficult to suggest to the House an effective way of stopping it.