HC Deb 09 November 1949 vol 469 cc1225-6
76. Mr. Blackburn

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what further steps he has now taken to secure the release by the Soviet authorities of the British soldiers detained by them in Berlin.

Mr. Mayhew

I presume my hon. Friend refers to action taken since his Question of 19th October. Following an inquiry by the British authorities of 14th October Corporal Schultz, W.R.A.C., has been released and has returned to her unit. Private Stuart has been interviewed by a British officer and has stated that he does not wish to return. In a letter of 20th October the British Chief of Staff again raised with the Soviet Chief of Staff the question of the return of Corporal Garrick and Privates Kelly, Moncaster, Baker, Crossley, Eggleton and Tirell. On 3rd November the General Officer Commanding British Troops, Berlin, also addressed a letter about the case of Private Tirell to the Soviet Garrison Commander.

Mr. Blackburn

In the view of the fact that there are seven British soldiers still detained by the Soviet authorities, will my hon. Friend please consider whether this matter ought not now to be taken up directly by the British Foreign Office with the Soviet authorities, because we have no intention of allowing British subjects to be treated in the disgraceful way in which the Poles are now being treated?

Mr. Mayhew

We will certainly take any practical steps, but I do not think that we should jump to the conclusion that these men are being detained against their will.