§ 57. Mr. Hugh Fraserasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the persecution of religion in Hungary, His Majesty's Government has protested under that Article of the Peace Treaty with Hungary guaranteeing freedom of worship.
§ Mr. YoungerHis Majesty's Government and the other Western signatories of the Hungarian Peace Treaty have taken every step open to them under the Treaty to enforce the Human Rights Article. In accordance with a Resolution adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations last November, we are preparing the evidence of the violation by the Hungarian Government of this Article for submission to the Secretary General. Our submission will include all available evidence of religious persecution, of which a fresh wave appears to be heralded by the trial of Archbishop Grosz. I do not consider that any protest to the Hungarian Government would be effective nor is it possible now to comment on this trial since the proceedings have not yet ended. I should like, however, to express once again our deep concern at the continuing evidence of cruelty, oppression and persecution in Hungary.
§ Mr. Eric FletcherWould my right hon. Friend bear in mind, whether or not he thinks that any protest would be effective, that there is a very general desire that the public opinion of this country should be expressed about its abhorrence of these affairs in Hungary?
§ Mr. YoungerI am aware of that, and I hope that the statement I have just made will contribute to that end.
§ Mr. John E. HaireIs my right hon. Friend aware that it is very important to encourage people living in Hungary with the evidence that we are taking steps, even though we think at times that they are futile—that at least there should be some encouragement to them to go on resisting?
§ Mr. YoungerWe are, of course, taking such measures as can be taken collectively through the United Nations.