Oral Answers to Questions — Greece (British Military Mission)

– in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 24 Tachwedd 1947.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Mr Philip Piratin Mr Philip Piratin , Stepney Mile End 12:00, 24 Tachwedd 1947

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is to be the function of the British Military Com mission in Greece, now that a joint- Greek-American Army Staff is being established; and to what extent there is to be co-operation between the British Military Commission and the American corps of Officers to be attached to the Greek Army.

Photo of Mr Christopher Mayhew Mr Christopher Mayhew , Norfolk Southern

These matters are under consideration at the present time.

Photo of Mr Philip Piratin Mr Philip Piratin , Stepney Mile End

Now that the Greek Army is taking orders from the United States Government as to how it should conduct its affairs, surely there is no need in Greece for the British Military Mission and no need to spend any further British funds on that purpose? Can the Minister there fore give an assurance—

Photo of Mr Douglas Clifton Brown Mr Douglas Clifton Brown , Hexham

That is pure argument and nothing else, and that is out of Order at Question Time.

Photo of Mr Philip Piratin Mr Philip Piratin , Stepney Mile End

Can the Minister at this stage give an assurance that the British Military Mission will be withdrawn immediately in view of the fact that its function has ceased?

Photo of Mr Christopher Mayhew Mr Christopher Mayhew , Norfolk Southern

I cannot accept all the implications in the hon. Member's previous question, and I have nothing to add to what I have said, that we are considering this matter.

Photo of Mr Francis Noel-Baker Mr Francis Noel-Baker , Brentford and Chiswick

Is the Minister aware that in the present circumstances and in view of the intensification of intervention from over Greece's northern frontiers, the arrival of these officers will be very widely welcomed by Greek democrats? Is he further aware that the atrocities committed in Greece are by no means confined to the Right Wing, and that the only final solution to the continued devastation of Greece is international action to end the civil war?

Photo of Mr Christopher Mayhew Mr Christopher Mayhew , Norfolk Southern

Yes, Sir. I appreciate those sentiments. Further, in fairness it should be stated that not only are the atrocities not confined to the Government side, but that they are far worse and more numerous on the other side.