HC Deb 06 July 1955 vol 543 cc1128-9
50. Mr. Peyton

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether a reply has yet been received to his most recent protest concerning the kidnapping of Dr. Truchnovich in the British Zone of Berlin in 1954.

Mr. Nutting

No, Sir. But Her Majesty's Ambassador at Bonn has personally reminded the Soviet High Commissioner that a reply to his letter of 3rd May is still outstanding.

Mr. Peyton

Has my right hon. Friend any information about Dr. Truchnovich? Can he, for instance, say whether Dr. Truchnovich is still alive? Will he convey to the Soviet authorities the distinct message that such sinister and cynical reticence as they have shown in this matter gives the worst possible impression?

Mr. Nutting

I think that Her Majesty's Ambassador has already made it quite plain to the Soviet authorities that their attitude and behaviour in this incident gives the impression to which my hon. Friend has referred. We do not know where Dr. Truchnovich is, for we have no information, nor have we had any satisfactory replies to our communications.