HC Deb 29 January 1951 vol 483 cc576-7
70. Mr. H. Fraser

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the Bulgarian, Hungarian and Roumanian Governments are ignoring the limits placed on their armed forces in the Peace Treaty signed by them with the Allies; and what action he proposes to take.

Mr. Ernest Davies

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to a similar Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Swindon (Mr. T. Reid) on 25th January.

Mr. Fraser

Does the hon. Gentleman agree with the figures produced by Marshal Tito recently, showing the increase in the armed forces of these European countries?

Mr. Davies

We have no means of checking the figures, but we are of the opinion that the Treaty limits have been definitely exceeded.

Mr. Joynson-Hicks

Is the Treaty limit more exceeded now than it was four years ago?

Mr. Davies

Certainly, Sir.

Mr. Julian Amery

Are the Government proposing to take any action about this? Is there any question of taking reprisals of any kind?

Mr. Davies

Notes were delivered in connection with this matter and a reply was received from the Soviet Union on 20th January, but we do not consider that any further protest would be effective.