HC Deb 26 May 1952 vol 501 cc933-4
16. Sir D. Savory

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in drafting his reply to the protest of Marshal Tito against the proposed changes in the administration of Zone A of the Free Territory of Trieste, he will call the attention of the Marshal to the situation existing in Zone B since the United States of America and Britain share with Yugoslavia responsibility to the United Nations Security Council for the administration of the Free Territory of Trieste; and whether, in view of the continued oppression of the Italian population in Zone B, he will also call the attention of Marshal Tito to Annex VI, Article 2 (a), of the Treaty of Peace with Italy, in accordance with which the Security Council of the United Nations has undertaken to ensure the protection of the basic human rights of the inhabitants.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

I have nothing to add to the answer given to my hon. Friend on 19th May. As I then said, all relevant considerations will be borne in mind in the preparation of the reply.

Sir D. Savory

Will my right hon. and learned Friend not point out that over 6,000 persecuted refugees—Italians—have had to take refuge from Zone B into Zone A and that, as a result of the so-called trial of Capo d'Istria, there has been almost a complete exodus of teachers from Zone B? Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman not appreciate that Marshal Tito is only there as a trustee and that we are equally responsible to the United Nations for what goes on in Zone B?

Mr. Lloyd

I can only repeat the answer which I have given to my hon. Friend—that this matter is being carefully considered and that it would not be useful to disclose to the House at the moment the nature of the reply which Her Majesty's Government propose to deliver in due course.

Mr. Dalton

Despite the accusations and counter-accusations about these zones, are the Government doing their best to carry the Yugoslav Government, no less than the Italian Government, with them in any changes it is proposed to make here?

Mr. Dodds

They are the allies, not the enemies.

Mr. Lloyd

Steps have been taken by Her Majesty's Government to keep the Yugoslav Government informed of what is taking place and an endeavour has been made to point out to them as clearly as possible the implications of the cent Memorandum of Understanding. As has been said before, the purpose of Her Majesty's Government, which I am certain will be shared by all hon. Members in all parts of the House, is to see that nothing is done to prevent a settlement being reached successfully by direct conversations between the Italians and the Yugoslays themselves.

Mr. Ernest Davies

In view of the joint responsibility of Britain, the United States and Yugoslavia for these two zones, is there any machinery for consultations between the three Powers? If not, would it not be advisable to set up some permanent machinery so that there can be a constant interchange of views upon this matter?

Mr. Lloyd

That is a different question from the one on the Order Paper.

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