HC Deb 26 October 1953 vol 518 cc2407-8
4. Brigadier Medlicott

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has now any further statement to make arising out of the disappearance of Mr. Burgess and Mr. Maclean.

Mr. Eden

As is now well known, Mrs. Melinda Maclean, the wife of Mr. Donald Maclean, herself disappeared without warning on Friday, 11th September, from her home in Geneva, taking her three children with her. No news has since been received from them but the investigations carried out by the police of Switzerland and neighbouring countries point to the party having crossed the Swiss fronties into Austria the same night.

Other than this, I can add nothing to the previous statements made by the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Lewisham (Mr. H. Morrison) and myself.

Brigadier Medlicott

Is it now possible to say whether Mr. Burgess and Mr. Maclean left their posts at the Foreign Office of their own free will, or whether they were taken against their will?

Mr. Eden

It is not possible to say anything more than was said before.

Mr. Woodburn

Was Mrs. Maclean subject to any supervision? Did she owe any obligations to report her progress to anyone, or was she an entirely free agent?

Mr. Eden

I am glad that the right hon. Gentleman raised that point. I, of course, have no responsibility whatever for keeping Mrs. Maclean under surveillance. She was a free agent, and no form of surveillance would have been either feasible or proper.

Mrs. Mann

Is the Foreign Secretary aware that these people's property is being disposed of in England? They are able to instruct their solicitor and, doubtless, money will accrue from the sale of their house. Can the right hon. Gentleman inquire to whom the money will be transmitted? Can he not get the address?

Mr. Eden

I do not think that that is a matter for me. There are relatives.