48. Mr. W. M. F. Vaneasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what further information he has received from the United Nations organisation on the progress of the return of the Greek children kidnapped by the Communists during the guerilla war of 1946–49 and abducted to Communist countries.
§ The Minister of State (Mr. Selwyn Lloyd)My right hon. Friend has received no information from the United Nations on this question since it was discussed at the last General Assembly. In fact, 470 children have been returned from Yugoslavia since 1950, but not a single child has been repatriated from countries within the Soviet orbit.
Mr. VaneCan my right hon. and learned Friend think of any other steps which he can usefully take in order to hasten the return of these children so monstrously abducted by the Communists?
§ Mr. LloydThe United Nations Standing Committee on Greek children did try to call a meeting of representatives of all the harbouring States during the last session of the General Assembly. 1176 Only Czechoslovakia sent a representative to that meeting and, in the circumstances, it is difficult to see what further steps can be taken; but the position of Her Majesty's Government is to give complete support to the Resolution that was passed by the General Assembly.