HC Deb 05 April 1950 vol 473 cc1167-8
10. Mr. Blackburn

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what reply has been received from the Soviet Embassy to the note delivered on behalf of His Majesty's Government on the subject of the disappearance of a large number of Soviet officials from the Soviet Embassy.

Mr. Younger

The Soviet Embassy have hardly had time to reply to the last inquiry addressed to them on this subject, but my hon. Friend may rest assured that this question will not be lost sight of.

Mr. Blackburn

Have there not been well-authenticated reports that in cases of this kind officials do, in fact, disappear and become spies? Will my hon. Friend please bring this matter to the notice of the Soviet authorities as it is of great importance and causes many doubts and much disquiet?

Mr. Younger

I do not wish to comment upon what my hon. Friend says. We are already making inquiries, and we are not going to let this matter lie. We are awaiting a reply.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Are any of these people actually in receipt of diplomatic immunity? If so, is any inquiry made before the immunity is granted to somebody else?

Mr. Younger

I should like to have notice of that question. I do not think, that I have the exact details here.

Mr. Sydney Silverman

Are there any well-authenticated instances of a man who has disappeared in these circumstances becoming a spy?

Mr. Blackburn

Yes.

Mr. Mott-Radclyffe

Can the Minister tell the House whether any of the members of the Soviet Embassy who disappeared have actually left this country, or whether they are roaming about at large within this island?