HC Deb 18 July 1949 vol 467 cc966-7
53. Mr. Stokes

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has yet any news regarding the trial of the six Yugoslavs who were handed over by the British authorities in Germany to the Yugoslav Government on 2nd August, 1948, and about whom he undertook to make inquiries in Belgrade.

Mr. McNeil

The Yugoslav authorities have stated to us that they propose to bring those six Yugoslavs to trial very shortly.

Mr. Stokes

Is my right hon. Friend not aware that that is precisely the answer given to me nearly a year ago; as he has no further information, and as I understand that they were put to death immediately on arrival, will he please explain how it is proposed to bring them to trial when they are already dead; and cannot His Majesty's Minister find out something about it?

Mr. McNeil

I know that my hon. Friend has been of that opinion for some 14 or 15 months, but I must repeat that the Yugoslav Government have very recently—since my hon. Friend put down the Question—given us this assurance.

Mr. Stokes

Will my right hon. Friend give me a rather more definite reply if I put down another Question before the House rises for the summer Recess?

Mr. McNeil

It does not depend completely upon me.

Mr. Stokes

Will the right hon. Gentleman try?

Mr. McNeil

Certainly.

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