§ 20. Mr. J. B. Hyndasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give the House any information 145W about steps being taken to simplify travel between the United Kingdom and Austria.
§ Mr. Ernest DaviesI am happy to inform the House that His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom, in concert with the United States and French Governments, have decided that as from 1st December, 1950, nationals of the three Occupying Powers will be able to enter Austria without Allied Force Permits so long as they are in possession of valid passports. No visas will be required.
Notwithstanding the abolition of Allied Force Permits, nationals of the three Occupying Powers will still require Occupational Forces Travel Permits (grey cards) when travelling into or through the Soviet Zone of Austria (that is to say, the Provinces of Lower Austria, Burgenland and the Muhlviertel of Upper Austria). Travellers arriving in Vienna by air will not require grey cards unless they are proceeding outside the metropolitan area of Vienna. No special documentation is required to enter the Soviet Sector of Vienna.
It is, of course, understood that travellers will be subject to Austrian laws and regulations affecting the entry, residence (temporary or permanent) and employment of foreigners, and that persons who are unable to satisfy Austrian immigration authorities that they comply with these laws and regulations will be liable to be refused leave to enter Austria. I am sure that the House will welcome the good will shown by the Austrian Government in making this arrangement possible.
His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom after consultation with the other Governments concerned, are arranging (with effect as soon as possible after 1st December, 1950) for the visa-issuing authorities in the United Kingdom and the appropriate British visa-issuing authorities elsewhere to make no charge for visas granted to Austrian citizens holding valid Austrian passports who have occasion to travel to any part of the Commonwealth. Fees paid to the Permit Office, London, for Allied Force Permits whose validity begins on or after 1st December, 1950, will be refunded upon application.