HC Deb 26 February 1968 vol 759 cc922-3
7. Mr. Winnick

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action Her Majesty's Government are taking in the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on the recent resolution on Greece passed by the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe; and if he will make a statement.

32. Mr. Luard

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps he is taking to ensure effective action by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe to restore full political and other human rights in Greece.

Mr. William Rodgers

The resolution and recommendation passed by the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe will be considered by the Committee of Ministers shortly. Our attitude will of course reflect our policy of using all our influence towards an early return to democracy and respect for human rights.

Mr. Winnick

In view of Amnesty's report of the horrifying tortures carried out on political prisoners by the military régime, will my hon. Friend refer the whole matter of torturing to the International Committee of the Red Cross? Can he comment on the disgraceful expulsion of Mr. Leslie Finer from Greece?

Mr. Rodgers

There are Questions about Mr. Leslie Finer later on the Order Paper. On the first part of the supplementary question, I agree that all of us have been shocked by Amnesty's report about the maltreatment of political prisoners, and certainly the possibility of raising the matter with the International Committee of the Red Cross is in our minds.

Mr. Speaker

Order. It is not in order to anticipate other hon. Members' Questions.

Mr. Brewis

Does the Minister think that the best way to persuade a proud, independent State and an ally in N.A.T.O. to return to democracy is by giving that State a time limit and threatening it with expulsion from the Council of Europe?

Mr. Rodgers

It is obviously a matter of judgment how best to get Greece moving in the direction that we all want to see. I think that the Government have made it clear that there is a balance here which must be preserved. But this does not prevent our condemning behaviour which we think abhorrent, and saying that we want to see a movement to democracy in Greece as soon as possible.