§ 27. Mr. K. Lindsayasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the magnitude of the Greek refugee problem and humanitarian problems involved, he will support the advocacy of direct assistance by the United Nations to assist the resettlement of the rural population, as recommended by a report from the Special Committee on the Balkans.
Mr. McNeilThe report of the United Nations Special Committee on the Balkans did not recommend direct assistance by the United Nations for the resettlement of the rural population of Greece, since apart from anything else it was not competent to make such a recommendation. The report in question simply drew the attention of the Secretary-General of the United Nations to the plight of the refugees in Greece and to the humanitarian problems involved.
§ Mr. LindsayEven if it is strictly correct that they called attention to the plight, would the right hon. Gentleman see that some action is taken at the forthcoming meeting of the Assembly; and in view of the fact that it is quite impossible for the Greek Government, even with E.C.A. assistance, to deal with one-tenth of the population in the present plight of the refugees in various camps, will the right hon. Gentleman see that some action is taken over what is really an international problem?
§ Mr. StanleyUse another word.
Mr. McNeilHis Majesty's Government are very sensible of the dimensions of the problem to which the hon. Gentleman has drawn my attention. We are considering what action might be appropriate at the United Nations, but in honesty I ought to add that because of the strain upon His Majesty's Government and other like-minded Governments just now I should not like to hold out undue hope of aid at this time.