HC Deb 18 February 1959 vol 600 cc343-4
4. Mr. Swingler

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to what extent Her Majesty's Government now accepts the Potsdam Agreement as a basis for discussing the provisions of a German Peace Treaty.

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

Those matters which the Potsdam Agreement reserved for decision at a peace settlement will of course come up for consideration at any discussions about a Peace Treaty.

Mr. Swingler

Is the policy of Her Majesty's Government still based upon the principle embodied in the Potsdam Agreement, namely, the demilitarisation of Germany? Is that still agreed?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

We still regard the Potsdam Agreement as valid, but the hon. Member will be aware that, owing to the history of the past ten years, many of the propositions stated in the Potsdam Agreement are no longer valid. That, of course, is true of the demilitarisation of Germany.

13. Mr. Swingler

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what policies will be put forward by Her Majesty's Government in the proposed discussions about a German Peace Treaty for preventing a resurgence of Nazism in Germany.

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

If such discussions take place this will be one of the points for consideration, but the hon. Member will be aware that responsibility for denazification was handed over to the German authorities in 1949.

Mr. Swingler

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many people are very dissatisfied about the position on denazification? Is he aware that there are reports about the appointment of Nazi judges and prosecutors, the formation of an underground S.S. and the spread of anti-Semitic propaganda in various parts of Germany? Will Her Majesty's Government pay serious attention to these matters and ensure that they are reconsidered in any agreement about a German settlement?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

I am, of course, aware of these reports, but I should say they are greatly exaggerated.

Mr. Gower

Is not it a fact that some of the alleged anti-Semitic propaganda has been discovered to be the work of Communists and is accepted as such by Jewish people themselves in Germany?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

That may well be so.