§ 9. Mr. Blackburnasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware of the intimidation being practised against employees of British companies operating in Rumania; and if he will make 2W representations to the Rumanian Government with the object of protecting the workers concerned from all forms of victimisation which are contrary to the provisions of the peace treaty.
Mr. McNeilI am aware that the Rumanian authorities have recently been insisting on the expulsion from their posts and from their houses at five days' notice of members of the staffs of the oil companies in Rumania on, to say the least of it, unsubstantiated charges such as sabotage, negligence and anti-democrat is sentiments. The removal of key men, such as engineers in charge of oil fields, is bound to cause a serious fall in output, and I have not overlooked the possibility that the Rumanian authorities may be preparing the ground for an attack on the oil companies on the pretexts of sabotage of production and managerial incompetence. As hon. Members are aware, my right hon. Friend has already left the Rumanian Government in no doubt of the grave disapproval with which he regards the widespread use of intimidation for political ends. His Majesty's Government are disturbed by this victimisation of Rumanian employees of British companies and my right hon. Friend is at present considering what action he can most usefully take in this matter.