HC Deb 28 June 1956 vol 555 c65W
77. Mr. K. Robinson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will now state whether, in deporting Father Kallinikos Macheriotis, he complied with the requirements of the Anglo-Greek Consular Convention of 1953.

Major Lloyd-George

The instructions issued to the police at the time when this Convention was concluded did not deal explicitly with the situation which arises in cases of deportation and, therefore, no notification was made to the Greek Consul, in accordance with Article 19 of the Convention, during the short period of Mr. Macheriotis' detention.

78. Mr. K. Robinson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on his meeting with Archbishop Athenagoras of Thyateira concerning the deported Archimandrite.

Major Lloyd-George

Archbishop Athenagoras called on me by my invitation on 25th June. The procedure followed in the deportation of Mr. Macheriotis was discussed. I explained that in this matter the police had merely executed an Order made by myself as the responsible Minister and that the circumstances of the case made immediate action necessary. I assured him that the action taken was not in any way directed against the Greek Orthodox Church and that no discourtesy to the Archbishop was intended.