§ 5. Mr. Jannerasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the consent recently given by Her Majesty's Government, under the Washington Accord on External Assets of 18th July, 1946, to the transfer by the Swedish Government of 7,000,000 kronor to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
§ Mr. Dodds-ParkerI would refer the hon. Member to my statement on this point in the course of the debate on Hungary last Monday.
Her Majesty's Government were recently notified, as were the United States Government and the French Government, of the Swedish intention to transfer the sum in question to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. I understand that payment is still subject to the approval of the Swedish Parliament. Her Majesty's Government's standing in this matter is in connection with the Inter-Allied Reparations Agency, and it will be for us, together with the United States and French Governments, to inform the Secretary-General of that Agency when the Swedish payment is made. Her Majesty's Government are not in a position to suggest to the Swedish Government any conditions which they should attach to the payment, to which they will not however raise any objection.
§ Mr. JannerWhile appreciating that reply, may I ask the hon. Gentleman whether he could indicate, in view of the very serious position of the Hungarian refugees at present, that it would be a useful thing if this money were directed towards relief for them? Possibly he would get in touch with the Americans, who might do the same.
§ Mr. Dodds-ParkerAs I indicated at some length in reply to the hon. Member last Monday, I think it would be improper to take that action. After all, the Swedish Parliament is concerned, in addition to the Swedish authorities. I think my replies of both last Monday and today made quite clear where Her Majesty's Government stand in the matter.
§ Mr. S. SilvermanHas the hon. Gentleman's attention been called to the statement made in some of the newspapers this morning that the Egyptian Government have ordered not merely British and French residents out of Egypt but also Jewish citizens of Egypt to the number of 40,000 to 50,000? As these people have no other country which would be bound to receive them, will he say whether these funds would be available for their relief?
§ Mr. Dodds-ParkerNo, Sir. I could not say that without notice, but I 20 have seen the statement to which the hon. Member refers and we will certainly take it into account.