HC Deb 06 March 1957 vol 566 cc350-1
23. Mr. F. Noel-Baker

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what British decorations were awarded to clerics of the Greek orthodox church for deeds of gallantry in co-operation with British military liaison officers during the Second World War; and if he will list the decorations awarded; and how many of these have been returned in the last two years.

Mr. Ian Harvey

As the then Under-Secretary informed the hon. Member on 22nd September, 1948, it is not in accordance with public policy to reveal details of awards made to foreign nationals in war time. A very considerable number of Greek subjects received decorations for gallantry during the war. In reply to the second part of the Question, only one award of this kind is known to have been returned during the past two years by a cleric of the Greek Orthodox Church.

Mr. Noel-Baker

If the hon. Gentleman cannot make that information public, can he not draw it quietly and privately to the attention of the Secretary of State for the Colonies, and ask him to draw the appropriate conclusions?

Mr. Paget

Is not the position here that this Church is a political and military organisation and very likely to earn decorations in war? It was on our side then. The trouble is that it is on the other side now.

Mr. Harvey

I am obliged to the hon. and learned Gentleman for his intervention. To reply to the hon. Member for Swindon (Mr. F. Noel-Baker), I see no point in drawing the attention of my right hon. Friend to this matter.