§ 39. Mr. Eric Fletcherasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has lodged any protest against the sentences of 25 years' imprisonment recently imposed by a Soviet Court upon three young Germans from the British sector of Berlin.
§ Mr. MayhewNo, Sir. Since none of the young men was a resident of the British Sector, a protest would not have been appropriate.
§ Mr. FletcherIs the hon. Gentleman aware that this particularly savage instance of Fascist vindictiveness aroused great indignation in this country?
§ Mr. MayhewYes, Sir, I am aware of that. I think that the sentences can be considered vindictive and indeed I am glad to know that the Soviet Commandant has ordered a revision of the sentences.