HC Deb 23 June 1969 vol 785 c976
4. Mr. Winnick

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if his Department will arrange to send an observer to attend some of the trials of political prisoners taking place in Greece.

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Mr. Frederick Mulley)

Although it is not our normal practice to appoint official observers to trials of this kind, Her Majesty's Embassy in Athens keeps a close watch on the trials in Greece and from time to time is represented at them.

Mr. Winnick

That is a very encouraging reply.

Does my right hon. Friend agree that the new wave of arrests and political persecution taking place in Greece is further proof of the need to expel the Greek colonels from the Council of Europe?

Mr. Mulley

As my hon. Friend knows, the Greek Government have been made aware of the strong feelings in this country about political prisoners and their treatment.

On the second part of my hon. Friend's question, I cannot add to what my right hon. Friend said on 7th May reporting the Resolution adopted by the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers. I think that my hon. Friend also knows that these matters are being pursued by the European Commission of Human Rights, whose report we expect quite soon.