§ 59. Mr. Pickthornasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what recent communications he has had with the United Nations about kidnapped Greek children.
§ Mr. Ernest DaviesMy right honourable Friend has had no recent communications with the United Nations on this question. As I indicated in the reply given to the hon. Member for Paddington, South (Mr. De Chair) on 1st May, it is being dealt with by the International Red Cross.
§ Mr. PickthornDoes that mean that His Majesty's Government are not conscious either of any responsibility in this matter or of the scandal which everyone of human feelings suffers as long as this matter is allowed to go uncured and unfinished?
§ Mr. DaviesNo, Sir. It is in the hands of the International Red Cross and they are doing everything in their power in accordance with resolutions which have been passed at the United Nations.
§ Sir Ronald RossCan the hon. Gentleman say how many children are victims of these foul crimes?
§ Mr. DaviesThere are varying reports as to the numbers and it is very difficult to ascertain the precise number of children so involved, but it certainly exceeds 10,000.
§ Mr. Godfrey NicholsonThe hon. Gentleman used the words "dealt with by the International Red Cross." What does he mean by that? What are they actually doing?
§ Mr. PickthornCannot we really be told what the Red Cross are doing? Should there not be communications at a Governmental level?
§ Mr. DaviesIn March this year the International Red Cross invited the Red Cross societies of the countries concerned in this matter to a meeting at Geneva, but only the Greek Red Cross sent delegates to that meeting. There is nothing in the power of His Majesty's Government to compel foreign countries to send delegations to meetings.
§ Mr. PickthornIs there nothing in the power of His Majesty's Government to bring any influence or pressure to bear on any foreign Government?