§ 100. Mr. J. Hyndasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that, despite the fact that continued occupation of and interference in the internal democratic affairs of Austria is not due to any desire of His Majesty's Government, the British authorities in Vienna persist in prohibiting the operation of independent political parties, in particular the Demokratische Union; and whether he will give instructions that our authorities will henceforth support the termination of such prohibitions as being matters within the jurisdiction of the Austrian Government.
Mr. McNeilAs my hon. Friend has, I think, already been informed, the general question which he raises is under consideration. In the meanwhile the attitude of the British authorities in Vienna has the full approval of my right hon. Friend.
§ Mr. HyndIn view of the fact that His Majesty's Government have repeatedly declared that but for the obstruction of the Russian authorities we would have signed a peace treaty with Austria long ago, when such matters would have passed entirely into the competence of the Austrian Government, may I ask what is the logic of our continuing to suppress the Demokratische Union, of which I and my hon. Friends entirely disapprove but the suppression of which involves a question of freedom and democratic rights?
Mr. McNeilMy hon. Friend is more aware than most hon. Members of the House of the fact that this is a complex question. We have not been able to reach a treaty; nevertheless we are continuing to see whether we can get agreement in a situation which is not of our creation.
§ Mr. WarbeyIn this particular matter, has there been any objection from the Russian authorities to the establishment of additional political parties?
§ Mr. HyndIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the answer, I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment.