HC Deb 13 May 1948 vol 450 cc244-5W
88. Mr. Odey

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware of the deadlock which exists in the obtaining of visas to the Soviet zone of Austria in that neither the Soviet military authorities nor our own will grant the necessary visa until the other party has done so; and whether he will consider taking some action to break this deadlock.

Mr. Mayhew

The hon. Member is misinformed. A procedure does exist by which British travellers from this country may visit the Soviet zone of Austria. They should apply to the Military Permit Office in London, who then obtain an endorsement of the permit by the Soviet authorities in Austria. It is true that the procedure is unsatisfactory, as there are considerable delays in the grant of the Soviet endorsement. His Majesty's Government proposed to the Soviet Government at the end of February last a different and more speedy system for dealing with applications but have not yet been able to obtain their agreement to it.