§ 2. Mr. Winnickasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what further steps are being undertaken to try to ease the prison conditions of Mr. Gerald Brooke.
§ Mrs. WhiteThe Soviet Government have not yet replied to the representations which the embassy in Moscow made on 27th June, but we are continuing to pursue this matter with them.
§ Mr. WinnickCould the Russians be told in quite ordinary, simple language of the deep concern felt in this country at the way this person is being treated? Could they also be told that it is this sort of behaviour, either by them or, on certain occasions by us, that harms Anglo-Soviet friendship?
§ Mrs. WhiteAfter the declarations of public feeling in this country, I cannot believe that the Russians can be in any doubt at all as to our opinion in this matter.
§ Sir R. CaryThis is not a normal prison sentence, but one that is being exercised with an extreme degree of harshness. Just how cynical can a great 3 country become, to be host of the British Prime Minister and, at the same time, allow this kind of thing to go on in the background?
§ Mrs. WhiteWe have, of course, made clear to the Russian authorities that we consider this sentence to be extremely harsh; and also that we are not satisfied with some of the conditions this person is sustaining at the moment.