§ 51. Mr. Skeffington-Lodgeasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the approximate total number of refugees now in Western Germany who have come from the Eastern Provinces; and how far his records show the number of these who have arrived for political and for economic reasons respectively.
§ Mr. MayhewThe approximate total number of German refugees from the Soviet zone and from former German territories who are now in the territory of the German Federal Republic is 8£ million. I am making inquiries in Germany on the second part of my hon. Friend's Question and will write to him.
§ Mr. Skeffington-LodgeIs my hon. Friend aware that a large number of these people are a prey to Nazi and nationalist propaganda, which he should watch and try to guard against, so far as its spreading is concerned?
§ Mr. MayhewSeveral statements have been made on the subject. It is a difficult question.
§ Mrs. Leah ManningCan my hon. Friend distinguish between those who come from former German territories and those who come from the Soviet zone? I think he gave a lump figure.
§ Mr. MayhewI gave the figures last week for the refugees from the Soviet zone.
§ Earl WintertonDoes not this question show the need for the establishment of some permanent body, such as the Inter-Governmental Refugee Committee, with which I was associated? Is it not necessary to continue the I.R.O. on a permanent basis, as at the present time refugees all over the world come under different bodies? Is this not a matter of primary policy?
§ Mr. MayhewThis question is not solely an international problem. It is also, to some extent, a German responsibility. As far as the emigration of these people is concerned, I agree it is an international problem, and we are considering it.
§ Mr. EdenIs it not a fact that the I.R.O. is due to come to an end next year? Ought that not to be considered well in advance with a view, I hope, to seeing that its work can go on?
§ Mr. A. Edward DaviesIs any progress being made in getting some of these people into other countries, as they are very unhappy people and eight and a quarter million is a considerable number?
§ Mr. MayhewIt is, of course, a desperately difficult problem, but we also have the great problem of re-settling displaced persons, of whom we still have hundreds of thousands, who must be regarded as having a priority over German citizens. We do not, however, deny the importance of the problem.