§ 17. Sir D. Savoryasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that Mrs. Frieda Dalin was seized 935 by the Russian guard during the weekend while she was waiting for her husband outside the Soviet War Memorial in the Charlottenburger Chaussee, which is in the British Sector of Berlin, and carried off in a motor car to the Russian sector; and what reply has been received to the protest made by Major-General Coleman, the British Commandant, to the Representative in Berlin of the Soviet Control Commission.
§ Mr. Selwyn LloydI am aware of this incident. No reply has so far been received from the Soviet Commander to General Coleman's protest.
§ Sir D. SavoryIn view of the innumerable incidents which have taken place, will my right hon. and learned Friend consider whether in future this Soviet monument, which is in the British sector, should be guarded by British authorities so that these incidents can be avoided? Further, in view of these outrages, why should we allow a broadcasting station for Russia still to exist in the British sector?
§ Mr. LloydThe second supplementary is something quite different from the Question on the Order Paper. As far as the first matter which my hon. Friend raised is concerned, it is important, I think, not to over-emphasise these incidents. Obviously and unfortunately there are reasons for untoward events happening, because the memorial is in the British sector but is guarded by Soviet guards, which obviously makes things awkward in certain circumstances. On the other hand, I do not see that I could accept the suggestion that we should put forward the idea of replacing the guards on a Soviet memorial by British soldiers. We are, however, awaiting the reply from the Soviet Commander. If that is unsatisfactory, then I think I can assure my hon. Friend that we shall see what steps can be taken to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.