§ 34. Mr. Julian Ameryasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that, on the night of 3rd March, two persons were kidnapped by Russian troops within the precincts of the Red Army War Memorial, situated in the British sector of Berlin; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonI am aware that there was an incident. Two persons were seen in conversation with the Soviet guard at the Red Army War Memorial, and one of these men later alleged that his companion had been kidnapped by the guard. A Soviet officer on the spot confirmed to two British officers that the guard had tried to apprehend two persons who were making nuisances of themselves, but denied categorically that the guard had, in fact, detained anybody. Though inquiries have failed to locate the second person involved, the British authorities in Berlin have no evidence which throws any further light on the matter.
§ Mr. AmeryCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether, before coming to the conclusion that no one was being unlawfully detained at the Memorial, and before withdrawing the cordon of troops which we had thrown round it, our military authorities first carried out a search in the precincts of the Memorial, or whether they merely accepted the assurance of the Russian officer in charge? Can he further say whether the Memorial was kept under observation after the cordon of troops had been withdrawn?
§ Mr. MorrisonOn the detailed matters which the hon. Gentleman has put, I am not quite so well briefed as he is, but if he will be so good as to put down a Question I will do my best to answer it.