§ 51. Brigadier Medlicottasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that the signs of a return of Nazism in Germany are increasing; and what measures are being taken to prevent this danger from ultimately getting beyond the control of the occupying authorities.
§ Mr. MayhewHis Majesty's Government are fully aware that there are still individuals and groups in Germany who hold views similar to those of the Nazi party. The Occupying Authorities have power under the Occupation Statute to take action against Nazis in order to protect the security of the Occupying Forces and democratic Government of Germany, and while the main initiative for combating Nazism should now come from the Germans themselves, His Majesty's Government will not hesitate to take appropriate action where necessary.
§ Brigadier MedlicottIs the Minister aware that his representatives in Germany do not appear to be alive to the disquieting nature of the symptoms? In particular, what is being done about this recent publication known as, "Bridge for the Germans of the World," which is circulating in Germany and which appears to have features of an anti-Semitic nature which are characteristic of the worst features of pre-war Nazism?
§ Mr. MayhewI should be glad to look into that particular instance. Certainly we will take action against papers of the type referred to by the hon. and gallant Member. We have in fact suspended one paper within the last few weeks for similar crimes.
§ Sir Ralph GlynCan the hon. Gentleman say what steps will be taken to prevent infiltration from Brazil of a lot of these documents without imposing a general postal censorship?
§ Mr. MayhewWe agree that a problem exists there and we are looking into it at the present time.
Mr. Wilson HarrisIs not the best method of opposing Nazism generally to establish full co-operation with the German Government at Bonn as the Foreign Ministers were endeavouring to do in Paris?
§ Mr. MayhewYes. of course, the real answer is to get the democratic Germans themselves to face up to their responsibilities.
§ Mr. Skeffington-LodgeIs my hon. Friend aware that very much of the present-day Press in Germany shows a serious trend towards Nazism and nationalism and, in view of that, will he assure the House that he is doing everything possible to uphold and encourage the still existing democratic Press in Germany?
§ Mr. MayhewYes, Sir.
§ Mr. JannerWill my hon. Friend say, if he wants to discourage Nazism in Germany, why, in the case of Austria, where an amnesty was being considered in relation to ex-Nazis—an amnesty which was vetoed by the United States of America, by France and by the Soviet Union—we supported that amnesty being given?
§ Mr. MayhewThat is a different question.