HC Deb 17 November 1948 vol 458 cc350-1
22. Mr. Blackburn

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in view of the terms of the Potsdam Agreement, what action he has taken on the establishment in the Soviet zone of Germany of an armed police force officered by former German prisoners of war.

Mr. Mayhew

His Majesty's Government have not made representations to the Soviet Government on the subject. The Soviet Government are doubtless well aware that His Majesty's Government view with regret and disapproval the formation of a branch of the police in the Soviet zone trained and equipped along semi-military lines and including a number of former high-ranking German officers. His Majesty's Government consider that such a development is contrary to the spirit and to the letter of the Potsdam Agreement and violates specifically Article 3 of the Political Principles which calls for the abolition of all military and quasi-military organisations and the prevention of all military activity.

Mr. Godfrey Nicholson

Is it not rather peculiar that the breach of this Agreement has passed entirely unnoticed by His Majesty's Government, and were they actuated by a desire to avoid the waste of paper?

Mr. Mayhew

We have not made representations on this point, but reserve the right to raise the question with the Soviet Government.

Mr. Blackburn

While repudiating any suggestion of accusing His Majesty's Government in this matter, may I ask my hon. Friend whether he will see that full publicity is given to the statement that he has made today?

Mr. Mayhew

Yes, Sir.