HC Deb 08 December 1954 vol 535 cc930-1
14. Mr. Janner

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the increasing Nazi and anti-Semitic propaganda in Western Germany and particularly to its use at a political meeting held in Berlin last week; and what action the occupying Powers are taking, in conjunction with the West German Government.

Mr. Turton

I am not aware of any increase in Nazi and anti-Semitic propaganda in the Federal Republic. Any such propaganda would be an offence under laws in force in the Federal Republic. As regards West Berlin, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for South Ayrshire (Mr. Emrys Hughes) on 6th December.

Mr. Janner

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that there was a very menacing mass rally in West Berlin recently, at which there were extreme exhibitions of all the bestiality of Nazism, and that a Minister of the Federal Republic spoke there? Will the hon. Gentleman try to do something to assist those who wish to crush neo-Nazism in West Germany, by sending a recommendation to the West German Government?

Mr. Turton

A better method of crushing it was the action taken by the House of Representatives in condemning the rally. Also, the votes of the electorate in the West Berlin elections meant that the party concerned got no seats in the Assembly.

Mr. G. R. Howard

Does not my hon. Friend agree that there are Germans who deplore this loathsome trait on the part of a certain section of the German nation, and, if that is so, will he urge Chancellor Adenaeur to take such action as will reassure public opinion in this country?

Mr. Turton

My hon. Friend's supplementary question was answered by the West Berlin election results. Lt was shown that a very small minority of Germans believe in such methods, which are, in fact, contrary to the law and are prohibited.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Is it not time that the Government faced up to the issue? Will not the Foreign Secretary get in touch with his friend, Dr. Adenaeur, and tell him that we regret the recrudescence of anti-Jewish propaganda?

Mr. Turton

As I said in the House last Monday, it is primarily a matter for the German Federal Government.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

It is a matter for the Foreign Secretary, too.