HC Deb 02 June 1954 vol 528 cc1265-6
22. Mr. McNeil

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that large numbers of Roumanian citizens have, after secret trial, been sentenced for legitimate activities arising from their membership of Jewish communities; that this is a violation of Article 3 of the Peace Treaty; and what steps he will take to ensure the fulfilment of the terms of the treaty.

Mr. Nutting

Her Majesty's Government have the fullest sympathy with the anxiety aroused in this country by current reports of trials of Jews in Roumania. Her Majesty's Government have however no details of these trials which were held in secret and are therefore unable to make either comment or representations regarding the reported charges or the sentences imposed. The Roumanian Government are, of course, already fully aware that successive British Governments have expressed their abhorrence of all forms of persecution.

Mr. McNeil

Does not the hon. Gentleman agree that it is the normal obligation of heads of mission to find out all they can about these deplorable happenings? Does not he agree that he has an obligation to the House that he should let them know what he knows about these distressing happenings, which, of course, do not necessarily affect only one section of the community or only one religion?

Mr. Nutting

Yes, Sir. Of course we shall pursue our inquiries into this matter and seek all the information we can get, but as the trials were held in secret that may be difficult. I shall certainly give the House all the information that the Government may be able to elicit.

Mr. McNeil

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman. Will he agree that whenever it is appropriate he will let the House have such information as he has? Further, will he agree that if his information confirms Press reports then the Government will take action, which it is obligatory upon them to take, to protest against these happenings?

Mr. Nutting

I shall certainly consider the second part of the right hon. Gentleman's supplementary question. As to letting the House have full information, I will of course let them have all the information I can.