HC Deb 24 November 1948 vol 458 cc1227-8
18. Mr. Marples

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what form of diplomatic relations His Majesty's Government have with Byelo-Russia.

Mr. Mayhew

His Majesty's Government have no diplomatic relations with Byelo-Russia.

Mr. Marples

In view of the fact that Byelo-Russia is represented at U.N.O. and has voting power there, does not the hon. Gentleman consider it desirable to have a proper accredited mission to that country?

Mr. Mayhew

When Ukraine and Byelo-Russia were admitted to the United Nations, His Majesty's Government suggested to Ukraine, as the larger of those two States, that we should exchange diplomatic representatives. The request was made through the medium of the Soviet Government, and no reply has been received. In these circumstances it was not considered worth while addressing a request to Byelo-Russia.

Mr. Gammans

Is there any other full member of U.N.O. with whom His Majesty's Government have no direct representation? Does the hon. Gentleman regard Byelo-Russia as having anything except a fictional existence?

Mr. Mayhew

I have already mentioned Ukraine as another member of the United Nations with whom we have no diplomatic relations. In reply to the last part of the supplementary question, I do note that access to the capitals of these countries by diplomats in Moscow is denied by the Soviet authorities.

Mr. Marples

In view of the fact that the representations by His Majesty's Government were made a long time ago, will the hon. Gentleman and his right hon. Friend make representations again to Russia to see if we can possibly get a representative there?

Mr. Mayhew

If we have any reason to believe that our representations will be more successful, we will repeat them.