HC Deb 18 July 1949 vol 467 c966
51. Mr. Keeling

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why an interval of 14 weeks passed between the disappearance of Miss May Peters on leaving His Majesty's Embassy in Moscow and the presentation of a note to the Soviet Government.

Mr. McNeil

The hon. Member is under a misapprehension. It is true that, as was stated on 11th July, the cases of Miss Peters and others formed the subject of an aide-mémoire to the Soviet Government dated 27th April; but the individual cases, including Miss Peters', had all previously formed the subject of separate representations to the Soviet Government.

Mr. Keeling

Is it not a fact that this period of 14 weeks' delay might have been deduced from the answer given last week; and would it not be better that all the facts should be given so that an impression may not be conveyed that the Government were not really serious about it?

Mr. McNeil

I am sorry, but I cannot agree. I think the answer last week was quite clear.

Mr. Blackburn

What form of reply was given by the Soviet Government to explain the disappearance; and did they accept responsibility for the disappearance?

Mr. McNeil

The reply was unsatisfactory, but the nationality of Miss Peters is rather difficult precisely to define.