HC Deb 29 June 1953 vol 517 cc16-7
35. Mr. Noel-Baker

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will lay a White Paper on the recent events in Berlin and the Eastern Zone of Germany.

Mr. Nutting

My right hon. Friend will consider this.

Mr. Ernest Davies

Could the hon. Gentleman tell us whether there is any new development in Berlin, what the position is now, and whether the restrictions imposed by the Russians have yet been removed?

Mr. Nutting

According to our latest information the situation in East Berlin is that the three Soviet divisions which were moved in to deal with the riots are still in the Soviet sector, that the general picture is that the Russians are trying to restore normal life and that they have met with some success, but that inter-sector transport has not yet been resumed. Meanwhile, the three Allied High Commissioners have addressed a note to the Soviet occupation authorities insisting that all measures should be taken without delay to ensure a return to normal life in Berlin and to remove all restrictions which have been placed upon the movement of persons and vehicles and upon communications?

Mr. Noel-Baker

If the Government issue a White Paper, will they consider putting in it the Notes that were exchanged with the Soviet authorities, the declarations made by the Germans on both sides—representative Germans—and any reliable information they may have about the causation of the incidents?

Mr. Nutting

If it should prove possible to present the House at any stage with a comprehensive picture of the situation in a White Paper, the points made by the right hon. Gentleman will be borne in mind.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Is the Minister aware that there have been some excellent illustrations in the German Press which put the matter in proper perspective and support the point of view which was presented to the House last week by his hon. Friend? Will he consider putting some of those illustrations in the White Paper?