§ Mr. George Cunninghamasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to what extent the facilities of British diplomatic missions have been made available to United Kingdom residents of Pakistan origin anxious to inquire after the safety of relatives in East Bengal; and whether any distinction is made between citizens of the United Kingdom and colonies and others in this respect.
§ Mr. KershawThe Foreign and Commonwealth Office has handled numerous inquiries about United Kingdom nationals in East Pakistan, including many of Pakistan origin. Our representatives in Pakistan have of course no formal standing to make inquiries about Pakistan citizens. As my right hon. Friend told the hon. Member on 17th May, that must be a function of the Pakistan High Commissioner in London. The High Commissioner has now personally assured me that 31W he welcomes inquiries about Pakistan citizens in East Pakistan, from whatever quarter they may come.—[Vol. 817. c. 868–9.]