HC Deb 19 April 1950 vol 474 cc118-9
15. Mr. John E. Haire

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action he proposes to take in view of the demands made by the States of Eastern Europe for the withdrawal of the British Council from their territories.

Mr. Ernest Davies

The only Eastern European Government which has demanded the withdrawal of the British Council from its territory is the Hungarian Government, who withdrew the residence permits of the British members of the staff. There was no option but to comply with this demand. By way of retaliation the Hungarian Government has been requested to close the Hungarian Cultural Institute in London.

Mr. Haire

Does my hon. Friend mean that no reason was given for the withdrawal of the residence permits referred to, and that we accepted the demand of the Hungarian Government without further question?

Mr. Davies

As my hon. Friend knows, we made representations in this respect, but once their residence permits had been withdrawn there was no alternative but to withdraw the members of the Council.