HC Deb 27 July 1953 vol 518 cc877-8
30. Mr. D. Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the continued imprisonment by the Greek Government of certain of their nationals for political offences, he will take steps to withdraw from all treaties and obligations under which Her Majesty's Government are committed to render assistance to the Greek Government.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

No, Sir.

Mr. Jones

Would the right hon. and learned Gentleman agree that he has received representations from trade unions in this country calling for action by the Greek Government to release persons whose only crime is to hold opposite political views? Would he further agree that the existing Greek Government will go up in the estimation of trade unionists in this country if they cease to put in prison people of other political views?

Mr. Lloyd

I quite agree with the hon. Gentleman that what really counts in this matter is action, but the number of people held for political offences in Greece have decreased by more than one-third, from 9,200 in July, 1952, to 6,000 in 1953. [HON. MEMBERS: "Scandalous."] I think that that is a very welcome improvement which we hope will be continued.

Mr. Jones

While appreciating that, may I ask the right hon. and learned Gentleman to take the next opportunity, when discussions are taking place with representatives of the Greek Government, even on economic matters, to intimate that those discussions would be welcomed far more widely in this country if the Greek Government released the remaining political prisoners?

Mr. Lloyd

The Greek Government is a friendly Government, and one has to observe a certain caution about advising a friendly Government on matters which are within their domestic jurisdiction.