§ 35. Sir Ronald Rossasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether permission has yet been given by the Bulgarian Government for a member of His Majesty's Legation at Sofia to attend the trial of the Protestant pastors.
Mr. McNeilThe Bulgarian Government have not yet returned any written reply to the request of His Majesty's Legation for admission to the trial. The Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs at first informed His Majesty's Legation orally that two members of the Legation would be admitted as official observers, but later stated that all diplomatic missions in Sofia would receive only one card of admission, in the name of the Press Attaché. Verbal representations by His Majesty's Legation to the Bulgarian authorities have not succeeded in moving them to make an exception in our case, in spite of their previous promise.
§ Sir R. RossWill the Minister of State instruct whoever is allowed in to observe whether these unfortunate clergymen have been subjected to physical illtreatment?
§ 36. Sir R. Rossasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is now satisfied that the treatment accorded to the 15 Protestant pastors at present under arrest in Bulgaria is in accordance with Article 2 of the Peace Treaty.
Mr. McNeilUntil the trial is completed, it is impossible to say whether or not it involves a breach of the treaty, but the initial treatment of the 15 Protestant pastors gives cause for great concern.
§ Sir R. RossWill the Minister of State assure the House that the Government view with equal interest and distress the Communist persecution of clergy of all denominations?
Mr. McNeilOf course, Sir. His Majesty's Government are concerned for all people, including people outwith religious denominations, who have been persecuted for their stand in the interests of freedom.
§ Mr. Platts-MillsDoes the right hon. Gentleman suggest that clergy who are guilty of treason to their own countries should not take a knock like any ordinary chap?
Mr. McNeilThe point is that that country has treaty obligations to provide for free trial and to ensure that certain freedoms are observed.
§ Mr. Godfrey NicholsonThe right hon. Gentleman says that His Majesty's Government will keep close watch to see whether these trials involve a breach of the treaty, but if they do involve a breach of the treaty, what will His Majesty's Government do?
§ Mrs. MannDoes my right hon. Friend agree that Members of Parliament who are treacherous to their own country should also take the knock?
§ Sir Patrick HannonWill the Minister of State take every possible opportunity, through the United Nations or otherwise, 20 to make clear to the whole world the detestation of the people of this country of the treatment accorded these Protestant ministers in Bulgaria?