§ LORD VANSITTARTMy Lords, I beg to ask the second Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the Soviet Government have replied that they have no knowledge of the fate of Robert Bielek, and what action Her Majesty s Government now contemplate in view of this allegation.]
THE MARQUESS OF READINGMy Lords, the answer to the first part of the noble Lord's Question is, Yes. As regards the second part of the Question, the Acting British Commandant in Berlin has now addressed a further inquiry about the case to the Soviet Commandant.
§ LORD VANSITTARTMy Lords, the statement of the noble Marquess does not Carry us much further. In view of the 57 fact, or the probability, that our visitors will be accompanied by General Serov, the arch-deporter, would it be possible to suggest that the General will be less unwelcome if this man is set at liberty before he arrives?
THE MARQUESS OF READINGMy Lords, that supplementary question contains a good many assumptions. I think we had better wait and see what answer, if any, we obtain from the Sovitet Commandant.
§ LORD VANSITTARTMy Lords, a gipsy told me that my suggestion might possibly not recommend itself. None the less, I have it at the back of my mind and I hope that Her Majesty's Government will not lose sight of it.