HC Deb 07 February 1949 vol 461 cc7-8
11. Mr. Hollis

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs for what reason advice has been given by His Majesty's Ambassador to the wives of British subjects, detained in Soviet Russia, that they should divorce their British husbands.

Mr. McNeil

His Majesty's Ambassador, when pressed for an opinion, felt obliged in November last to give confidentially to two of the wives in their own interests, the grave advice to which the hon. Member refers. At the time they were suffering constant persecution at the hands of the Soviet authorities and had indeed recently been driven to such a state of despair that they had each attempted to commit suicide. Sir Maurice Peterson had written to Mr. Molotov on 22nd October to complain that the molestation to which the wives were subjected was liable to cause a tragedy, but this complaint unfortunately had little or no effect on the Soviet authorities. It was impossible for him to do more, or to encourage the wives with any hope of an early change in Soviet policy towards them. He took, therefore, what he believed to be the kindest course in the circumstances.

Mr. Hollis

While I entirely appreciate the spirit of the right hon. Gentleman's answer, is he aware that I have in my possession a letter from one of the ladies which says: The Embassy say they cannot help us much and that it may be much better for us to take a divorce. That does not make any impression at all. It just makes me more determined to go on. I will not give up whatever happens. In view of the fact that one of these gallant ladies takes that definite attitude, would it not be better to allow her to take her own decision in these extraordinarily difficult circumstances than for the Ambassador to give her advice?

Mr. McNeil

I am quite certain that the Government will not seek to influence the lady. I should add that His Majesty's Ambassador, although his advice was not accepted, will continue to offer the utmost protection to these women in the dreadful and melancholy circumstances in which they find themselves.