HC Deb 02 March 1949 vol 462 c345
27. Mr. Hollis

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what reply has been received to His Majesty's Chargé d'Affaire's letter concerning the arrest of the 15 Bulgarian Protestant pastors; and if he is now satisfied that the detention does not constitute a breach of Article 2 of the Peace Treaty with Bulgaria.

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

I have nothing to add to the replies given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State on 28th February to the hon. Member for Londonderry (Sir R. Ross).

Mr. Hollis

Since it has become evident that the Bulgarian Government have no intention whatsoever of replying to the representations of His Majesty's Government, can the right hon. Gentleman give us an assurance that the matter will not be allowed to rest there?

Mr. Bevin

I am continually protesting against this kind of conduct, but I cannot, do any more than I have done.

Sir Ronald Ross

Do not the latest Press reports bear out the suggestion that these unfortunate men have been subjected to physical ill-treatment?

Mr. Bevin

I do not know how the operation is performed. I have heard it said that they do not try anybody who is not guilty.

Mr. Gallacher

May I ask the Foreign Secretary whether, in view of the concern of the hon. Member opposite for the heretics, he would suggest transferring these Protestant clergymen to Spain?