HC Deb 19 June 1941 vol 372 cc846-7W
Sir P. Hannon

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the staffs engaged upon the work of the British Council in Greece and Yugoslavia have been evacuated safely; whether there have been casualties; and whether employment is being found elsewhere for persons engaged until recently on British Council activities in countries now in enemy occupation?

Mr. Butler

All but one of the officials of the British Council employed in Greece and Yugoslavia have been safely evacuated. A certain number are now working for the British Council in the Middle East, some have joined, and others will be joining, the Armed Forces in the Middle East; and a few may return to England.

Sir P. Hannon

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any report on the condition of the staff of the British Council in Bagdad following upon the recent disturbance; and whether the educational and social activities of the Council in Iraq are being maintained?

Mr. Butler

The reports received from His Majesty's Ambassador at Bagdad have given no cause for apprehension about the safety of the officials of the British Council in Iraq. The Council intend to continue their work in Iraq, which has of late been greatly extended, but which naturally had to be suspended during the recent disturbances.