HC Deb 01 August 1951 vol 491 c206W
79. Mr. Gammans

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what national interest led him to seize the passport of Dr. Burhop to prevent his going to Moscow.

Mr. Ernest Davies

Dr. Burhop's passport was not seized. It was cancelled and he was requested to surrender it. This action was taken because it is in the national interest to discourage atomic scientists, who have at any time had access to classified information, from going to Russia. Dr. Burhop was intending to visit Moscow as a member of a Communist-dominated organisation, the Society of Cultural Relations with the U.S.S.R. In these circumstances it was decided to cancel his passport.