HC Deb 25 June 1947 vol 439 cc67-8W
106. Mr. Blackburn

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has yet received any evidence from the Soviet authorities in Hungary as to the alleged plot of M. Nagy to overthrow his own Government; and whether he proposes to take any further action in the matter.

115. Mr. Chamberlain

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any further reply has been received by His Majesty's Ambassador in Moscow in reference to our request for copies of the documents in connection with the allegations against M. Nagy; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Bevin

I have received no further information from the Soviet authorities in Hungary. However, as my right hon. Friend the Minister of State informed the House on 18th June, His Majesty's Government were then awaiting a report on further representations by His Majesty's Ambassador in Moscow. I instructed His Majesty's Ambassador to wait on Mr. Molotov and to express to him the feeling, which is shared by Members of the House, that His Majesty's Government must have the information for which they had asked in order to form a correct judgment about the events which have taken place.

His Majesty's Ambassador saw Mr. Molotov on 17th June. I profoundly regret to say that he received an equally unsatisfactory reply. If, when such events as these occur, information which we have a right to possess is withheld, there is bound to be misunderstanding between the nations. Since in this case the information has been withheld, His Majesty's Government are forced to draw their own conclusions.

I am now instructing His Majesty's Ambassador to inform Mr. Molotov that His Majesty's Government cannot but regret the refusal of the Soviet Government to meet the legitimate and friendly requests which have been made to them with anything but unsubstantiated denials and counter-accusations.

As regards our future policy to Hungary, I can only say that we shall watch developments closely and shall adjust our policy, both political and economic, to the Hungarian Government in the light of events during the coming months.