HC Deb 19 May 1952 vol 501 c17
18. Sir D. Savory

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on what grounds the Helmstedt autobahn, connecting Berlin with Western Germany, was closed on 13th May to all Allied military car patrols; and what reply has been received to the protest by the British commander in Berlin addressed to the Soviet Commander-in-Chief, General Chuikov.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

The reasons for the recent incidents are still not clear. However, according to my latest information the position on the autobahn is now normal.

Sir D. Savory

Will not the right hon. and learned Gentleman point out that the clear understanding which was come to after the air blockade was that our patrols should be allowed free access to the autobahn for the protection of motorists and for helping those who have broken down?

Mr. Lloyd

I think that the position at the moment is satisfactory and that we had much better leave it there.