THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (THE MARQUESS OF READING)My Lords, with the permission of the House, I should like to make a statement on developments in Hungary. According to the latest available information, fighting was continuing yesterday evening in many parts of Budapest. Some sections of the town were in flames. According to a Red Cross report, civilian casualties from Russian firing have become very heavy. There is a complete curfew and anyone seen on the streets is liable to be shot by Soviet troops.
I have no information to confirm that the Kardar Government has succeeded in establishing itself in Budapest. In broadcasts from Hungary, there is now no pretence that Hungarians and Russians are fighting side by side. It is openly declared that Soviet soldiers are defeating "the reactionary forces". Other announcements have been made in the names of the local Soviet commanders. In other words the fighting in Hungary hears the exclusive character of a Soviet campaign of repression.
So far as I know, the Soviet Government have not yet replied to the resolution of the United Nations General Assembly which called for a cease-fire the withdrawal of Soviet troops from 28 Hungary, and the admission of United Nations observers, and which urged the provision of relief supplies for the Hungarian people. Such supplies are now desperately needed. The International Red Cross is organising a convoy of food and medical supplies from Vienna which will leave as soon as Soviet permission has been given for it to enter Hungary. Her Majesty's Government appeal to the Soviet Government to grant this permission forthwith. I am glad to be able to tell the House that Her Majesty's Government are now investigating, as a matter of urgency, detailed arrangements whereby 2.500 Hungarian refugees can be received in this country.
§ LORD SILKINMy Lords there is little that one can say on this very grave statement. I am sure the whole House will be glad to hear that we are doing all we can to alleviate distress caused by Soviet action and that we are doing it in a practical way by receiving 2.500 refugees. I do not know whether the noble Marquess could tell the House whether there has been any discussion with the Dominions over the reception of other refugees, in addition to the 2.500. Also, I presume that the noble Marquess will make a further statement to the House as soon as he has any information to give, such as the reply of the Soviet Union to the United Nations.
THE MARQUESS OF READINGMy Lords, I will, of course, make a further statement as soon as there is anything which it is right that the House should know. As regards consultation with the Commonwealth. I cannot answer that question at the moment, because this decision has been very recently taken and urgently acted upon—and the pressure of events made it most obvious that it should be urgently acted upon. In fact, I am quite sure that steps will be taken to see that the action we have already originated will be extended to the Commonwealth.
§ VISCOUNT ASTORMy Lords, may I ask the noble Marquess whether we shall be able to give the Austrian Government some direct financial help to cope with the overwhelming refugee problem with which they are unfortunately faced?
THE MARQUESS OF READINGMy Lords. I cannot at the moment answer that question. Perhaps the best help we 29 can give the Austrian Government is what we are doing, and that is to try to take a not inconsiderable number of the refugees off her hands at the earliest possible time.
LORD REAMy Lords, may I ask the noble Marquess whether he is aware that, unlike some recent events, this action of Her Majesty's Government will have the unanimous support of all people, in all Parties and in no Party, in this country?