§ 35. Mr. T. Reidasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the extent of kidnappings by Communists in the Allied Zones of Berlin; and what steps have been taken by the British High Commissioner in the case of Dr. Linse.
§ Mr. NuttingFrom January, 1950, to September, 1952, West Berlin police records show 32 cases of alleged abduction from the western sectors of Berlin. Some of these cases have already been rejected by the Berlin Public Prosecutor, and it is probable that some others could not be substantiated.
The United Kingdom High Commissioner has on two occasions been formally associated with letters of protest about the abduction of Dr. Linse sent by the United States High Commission to the Soviet authorities.
§ Mr. ReidCan the Minister say if these kidnappings were the result of private enterprise or was any Government implicated?
§ Mr. NuttingAs far as I know, no private enterprise is allowed in the Soviet Union or in territories under Soviet control.
§ Sir D. SavoryIs it necessary to maintain the Russian guards in front of the monument which is in the British sector in Berlin in view of the fact that these guards have been proved to assist in kidnappings?
§ Mr. NuttingIf the hon. Member will give me notice of that Question I will take note of it.