HC Deb 27 March 1950 vol 473 cc34-5
50. Mr. John E. Haire

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why he recently recalled to this country the British Commercial and Military Attaches in Budapest.

Mr. Ernest Davies

The Commercial Secretary and the Assistant Military Attaché at His Majesty's Legation in Budapest were withdrawn because each had been declared persona non grata by the Hungarian Government. His Majesty's Government have made it clear to the Hungarian Government that the allegations against these members of His Majesty's Legation, upon which the request for their recall was based, are completely unfounded.

Mr. Haire

Does this not appear to give the impression that we accept in some measure the accusations levelled against these worthy representatives in the recent trials in Budapest, and should we not afford them greater protection than we appear to be doing?

Mr. Davies

No, Sir. My right hon. Friend does not share that point of view. The greatest protection is given by withdrawing these gentlemen at this time, because once a diplomat has been declared persona non grata he may be deprived of his diplomatic privileges.

Mr. Eden

Surely we have an interest in this, too. Is any other step contemplated? Is the Hungarian representation to remain completely unchanged in this country, after they have behaved in this way to our representatives?

Mr. Davies

As it has already been stated, this matter is under active consideration by the Foreign Office at present.

Mr. Eden

Would it not be much better to say what we propose to do at the time we announce the withdrawal of our people, following what is very high-handed treatment by the Hungarian Government?

Mr. Davies

We do not want to take over-hasty action in this matter but to give it full consideration. There are more countries than Hungary concerned in this, as the right hon. Gentleman knows.

Mr. Eden

I am not suggesting hasty action, but this is an action by a Government which cannot be described as of a very friendly character, to put it mildly. I agree with the hon. Member for Wycombe (Mr. Haire), that if we are to alter our representation in reply to action that is not at all usual in diplomatic practice, we should coincide that action with whatever further steps we propose to take.

Mr. Haire

Does this mean that if the remainder of our Legation at Budapest were declared personae non gratae, they would be withdrawn?

Mr. Davies

That is a hypothetical question.