HC Deb 03 December 1951 vol 494 cc2025-6
58. Mr. Linstead

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what diplomatic or consular missions now exist in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics outside Moscow; and what facilities for diplomatic help are available for British vessels in Russian ports.

Mr. Eden

I assume that my hon. Friend is referring to United Kingdom representation, which is confined to His Majesty's Embassy at Moscow. There is no British Consulate in other Soviet towns. There are, therefore, no facilities for providing local assistance to British vessels in Soviet ports. His Majesty's Embassy in Moscow do, of course, take up with the Soviet authorities any cases affecting such vessels which arise.

Mr. Linstead

Are we to understand from that reply that there are no other friendly diplomatic missions available in Russia to take charge of the interests of British subjects?

Mr. Eden

I do not think I would be willing to arrange matters in this way without much more consideration. I think we have to look after our own subjects in all countries with which we have diplomatic relations. There are no Soviet Consular representatives in this country, and we have none in Russia. That, I think, is a pity, but I do not think it is entirely our fault.