§ 63. Mr. Piratinasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the newly-formed Association of Independents in Austria is a neo-Fascist organisation, whose appeal is directed to former Nazis; and what steps he is taking to prevent this revival of Fascism.
§ Mr. MayhewThe Association of Independents has not applied to the Allied Council for recognition as a political party, and, so far as I know, none of the Occupying Powers in Austria has proposed that any action should be taken against the Association on the ground that it is a Fascist organisation.
§ Mr. PiratinAlthough this organisation may not have applied for recognition as a political party, does not the Minister recognise that this is nothing but a political party, and is he not aware that a number of newspapers of a Right wing nature in Austria are supporting this organisation? Will he look into it?
§ Mr. MayhewThe organisation has not offended any Allied Council directive. If it does so, it will be firmly dealt with.
§ Colonel Gomme-DuncanIn view of the fact that the Communists call everybody Fascists who are not Communists, will he refuse to take any notice of this nonsense?
§ Mr. MayhewWe distinguish between organisations called Fascist and organisations called Fascist by Communists.