§ Q4. Mr. Winnickasked the Prime Minister what discussions he is having with the Prime Ministers of Council of Europe countries over the position of Greece in relation to the Council.
§ The Prime MinisterNone, Sir.
§ Mr. WinnickIn view of the articles which are appearing in the British Press about the continued physical brutalities and physical tortures carried out by the Greek dictatorship, is it not clear that the Greek Government are not fit to continue in the Council of Europe; and, extending the question a little, would the Prime Minister now state whether it is his intention to discuss the Greek issue with the President of the United States?
§ The Prime MinisterAs regards actions of the kind referred to by my hon. Friend, we have made clear our attitude on these from the outset. Also, I repeat that our objective remains the restoration of democratic liberties in Greece. As to the question of the fitness of Greece to remain a member of the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe, this matter is being investigated impartially by the European Commission of Human 1279 Rights at this time and I think that it would be wrong for me to prejudge what the Eupropean Commission might decide to find.
§ Sir J. RodgersAs Greece is the only ally that we have in Eastern Europe and as she is also a member of N.A.T.O., would the Prime Minister refrain in future from using such phrases as "bestialities" in reference to that Government?
§ The Prime MinisterThe hon. Gentleman will be aware that our N.A.T.O. allies include Turkey as well as Greece. Membership of an important alliance is one thing. The question of the alleged brutalities that my hon. Friend mentioned must be impartially investigated by the European Commission of Human Rights. It would be wrong for either the hon. Gentleman or me to prejudge that examination.