HC Deb 26 June 1950 vol 476 cc1896-7
54. Mr. H. Hynd

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has made full inquiries into the political background of Herr Wurmann, recently appointed German Vice-Consul in London; and whether Herr Wurmann is acceptable to His Majesty's Government as a holder of this post.

55. Mr. Janner

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that Herr Wurmann who has been nominated as the new Vice-Consul in London for the Bonn Republic is an admirer of Hitler and has intimated that he agrees with Hitler's policy which directed the deliberate murder of millions of Jews; and whether he will take steps to prevent him from taking up this appointment.

56. Mr. Porter

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, in view of the political opinions of the Bonn Vice-Consul, Mr. Wurmann, which reveal definite anti-Jewish opinions and actions, what inquiries were made previous to agreeing to his appointment.

Mr. Ernest Davies

The German Consul-General has stated that Herr Wurmann is not and will not become a member of his staff in London.

Mr. Hynd

Could my hon. Friend say whether this gentleman was declared persona non grata, or it is a fact that he was not actually appointed to the position?

Mr. Davies

The position is that he has not been appointed. The German Consul-General has said that he is not a member of the staff, that his name was only on the list of applicants and that he has not been chosen.

Mr. Janner

Will my hon. Friend make it clear to the Bonn authorities that this type of view is abhorrent to the people of this country and that people who hold such views will not be accepted in any way in responsible positions here?

Mr. Davies

That is quite well understood; it is certainly understood by the present German Consul-General, who has taken this stand in the matter.