§ 42. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether Her Majesty's Government will now propose the transfer from Spandau, or release, of Rudolf Hess.
§ Mr. MulleyHer Majesty's Government are strongly of the opinion that Rudolf Hess should be released and will renew representations to this end at any time there seems a prospect of success. The Soviet Government, whose agreement is necessary, have hitherto rejected all such approaches.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonIs it not preposterous that this international farce should continue because of the objections of the U.S.S.R., in which country both anti-Semitism and concentration camps are in full sway?
§ Mr. MulleyAs the hon. Gentleman knows, and as has been explained many times in the House, this arrangement is part of the Four-Power Agreement, and is would not be right to terminate that agreement on a matter of this kind.
§ Sir A. V. HarveyWhen was this matter last raised with the Soviet Government? After all these years, ought not this man to be released, for the sake of humanity? At the same time, will the Government turn their attention to the question of Mr. Gerald Brooke, take up both matters with the Soviet Union, and let us know the answer?
§ Mr. MulleyThe Foreign Secretary has that last matter very much in play, and he reported recently to the House. The last approach about Rudolf Hess was made early last year, and we have been considering also whether it is possible to have some less harsh form of imprisonment. We have the matter constantly in play, but so far the Soviet Union has not been willing to agree to the release of Hess, as we should wish, for all the reasons which, I thought, were admirably set out in The Times editorial last Saturday.
§ Mr. MayhewIs my right hon. Friend aware that there are Members on this side who feel that the time has come for new representations to be made to the Soviet Union? The responsibility which we bear for the inhuman incarceration of this man, in poor health both mentally and physically after all these years, is a heavy burden on the feelings of some of us.
§ Mr. MulleyIf it will ease my hon. Friend's mind, I can assure him that many determined efforts have been made in recent years and all that can be done by Her Majesty's Government has been done. [Interruption.] With respect, there is absolutely no point in applying every week and receiving just a formal reply. We want to succeed, and that is why we are trying to time the approach at a satisfactory point.