HC Deb 22 June 1949 vol 466 cc179-80
10. Mr. Platts-Mills

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many Bulgarians are employed in the Bulgarian Legation in London; what appointments do they hold; how many British subjects are employed in His Majesty's Legation at Sofia; and what are their appointments.

The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Ernest Bevin)

As the reply is long, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Platts-Mills

In view of the extreme disparity which it is anticipated the reply will show, there being nine Bulgarians in London and 46 British representatives in Sofia, will not my right hon. Friend at least consider withdrawing some of our military representatives and substituting some trade representatives in Sofia?

Mr. Bevin

Taking a comparison between two great Powers represented in Bulgaria, the hon. Gentleman will see from the answer and from the facts for which he asked that our staff is much smaller than that of the Soviet.

Mr. Anthony Nutting

Whatever may be the nominal appointment of members of the Bulgarian Legation in London, will the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that he is keeping a good track of their activities?

Following is the reply:

There are six Bulgarian members of the staff of the Bulgarian Legation in London, namely:

First secretary (Chargé d'Affaires), Third secretary, Attaché, Press attaché, Typist, Clerk.

The British members of the staff of His Majesty's Legation in Sofia number 42 persons, namely:

H.M. Minister, First secretary, three Second secretaries, two Third secretaries, Vice-Consul, Military attaché, Assistant Military attaché, Air attaché, 17 clerical officers and clerks, four typists, two translators, eight subordinate staff.

There is also a non-resident Naval attaché.

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