HC Deb 24 November 1952 vol 508 cc16-7
32. Mr. M. O'Neill

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his invitation to the present ruler of Yugoslavia to visit Great Britain has been accepted and what is the probable date of such visit.

35. Mr. Fernyhough

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs at whose invitation, and for what purpose, Marshal Tito is coming to this country.

Mr. Nutting

Marshal Tito is visiting this country at the invitation of Her Majesty's Government. Details of the visit, including dates, have not yet been finally fixed, but it will probably take place next March.

It is hoped that the visit will provide an opportunity to continue with Marshal Tito the exchanges of views on subjects of common interest which took place when my right hon. Friend visited Belgrade in September.

Mr. O'Neill

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that Christian opinion in this country, in Scotland and in Northern Ireland is indignant that this man should be asked here while he continues to persecute religious denominations in his own country? Would he assure us that he will take steps, on the occasion of this visit, to make it known to Marshal Tito that there can be no friendly co-operation or friendly relations with his country while this persecution of the Church and the clergy lasts?

Mr. Nutting

I am aware of certain expressions of opinion by prominent churchmen in this matter. No doubt those expressions of opinion have found their way to Yugoslavia.

Mr. Fernyhough

Is the Minister aware that Marshal Tito is an unrepentant Communist and claims to be the only faithful disciple of Marx and Lenin in any State today? In view of that, will he give an assurance that those who attend the reception which the Government will presumably arrange for Marshal Tito when he is in this country will not be accused subsequently of being fellow-travellers?

Mr. Nutting

That is a very hypothetical question.

Mr. Sorensen

Is the Minister aware that Christian opinion in this country is as varied as political opinion and that there is certain Christian opinion which thinks that Marshal Tito is as good a Christian as General Franco?

Mr. Dodds

Will the Minister remember that Marshal Tito represents a country which lost twice as many people killed in the late war as Britain and America together, in fighting against Italy and Germany?

Mr. Nutting

I am certainly aware that there is a mixture of opinion on the benches opposite.

Mrs. Cullen

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that more than three million loyal subjects in this country will not welcome Marshal Tito, but will protest very vigorously?