HC Deb 26 February 1968 vol 759 c940
27. Mr. G. Campbell

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the present policy of Her Majesty's Government regarding recognition of the sovereignty of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania.

Mr. William Rodgers

Her Majesty's Government recognise that the Baltic States have been de facto absorbed into the Soviet Union, but have not recognised this de jure.

Mr. Campbell

If we have not accorded de jure recognition to the annexation of these three States by the Soviet Union, how has it been possible to make an agreement with the Soviet Union involving the claims of British nationals against those States?

Mr. Rodgers

There is no moral judgment involved in the recognition of reality, and what we were seeking to do in reaching the agreement with the Soviet Union was to help those who have been waiting many years for a settlement of their claims.

Mr. Wood

In the event of these three countries recovering their sovereignty, will Her Majesty's Government accept the obligation to return to them the assets which we hold on their behalf?

Mr. Rodgers

This is not the moment to deal with hypothetical questions.