§ 75. Mr. Thomas Reidasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what reports he has had from the British representative on the Allied Control Commission in Hungary on the political crisis following on the arrest of the deputy Bela Kovaks; and if the proposal to hold elections in May instead of in 1949 will affect our interpretation of the treaty with Hungary.
Mr. McNeilMy right hon. Friend has received many reports on this subject from the British Political Representative in Hungary. At a meeting of all the Hungarian parties represented in the coalition Government, which was held on 11th March, it was unanimously agreed that the conspiracy should be liquidated as soon as possible and a new government programme was adopted. This programme entails the acceptance of a three-year economic plan based upon the joint economic plan of the Communist and Social Democratic Parties. It also includes a wider control of co-operative organisations, the extension of social insurance and a new educational programme. It was further agreed that the leaders of the Smallholders' Party should expel any of their members who do not support this programme. There is no confirmation of the report that new elections will be held in the near future.