HC Deb 07 February 1951 vol 483 cc1726-7
25. Mr. Maclean

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what answer he has received from the Soviet Government in reply to the Notes addressed to them by His Majesty's Government regarding the increase in the Armed Forces of Bulgaria, Hungary and Roumania in excess of their Treaty obligations.

Mr. Ernest Davies

The hon. Member is no doubt referring to the Note of 5th January to the Soviet Government which included a reference to "the disturbing and growing evidence of the rearmament of the States of Eastern Europe …" The relevant part of the Soviet reply of 20th January stated that references to rearmament in the countries of Eastern Europe were groundless and that such assertions were intended to divert public opinion from the remilitarisation of Western Germany.

Mr. Maclean

In view of the threat which this rearmament undoubtedly constitutes to world peace, and the futile representations made to the Soviet Government, will His Majesty's Government consider bringing the matter before the Security Council?

Mr. Davies

At present we do not consider that there would be any effective result from making any further protests to the Soviet Government. As regards the question of taking it before the Security Council, that is a matter for consideration.