§ LORD VANSITTARTMy Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask whether the attention of His Majesty's Government has been drawn to the sentence of death passed on the Czechoslovak General Pika on account of alleged sympathies and connections with the West, and whether any steps can be taken in the matter.]
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (LORD HENDERSON)My Lords, General Pika has appealed against the death sentence and the House would not wish me to say anything which might prejudice the reconsideration of it. Though His Majesty's Government have no locus standi for taking any steps in the matter, as he is not a British subject, widespread sympathy is felt for a gallant officer who served Czechoslovakia and her Allies loyally during the war. I need hardly add that no reliance can be placed on any confessions he may be said to have made in regard to allegations regarding his contacts with British representatives. Any such contacts were limited to the 178 social relations which in most countries are normal between the Embassy of a friendly Government and high officials of the country concerned.
§ LORD VANSITTARTMy Lords, is the noble Lord aware that during the war General Pika rendered such signal service to Russo-Czech relations that a number of high Soviet decorations were conferred upon him?
§ LORD HENDERSONMy Lords, I am well aware of the fact which has just been stated by the noble Lord.
§ LORD VANSITTARTMy Lords, could not that outstanding example of Soviet gratitude be conveyed to some of the more distinguished fellow travellers here?