– in the House of Commons at on 9 April 1941.
Mr John Martin
, Southwark Central
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the representatives of States adhering to the Axis or Tripartite Pact are allowed the usual diplomatic immunity for correspondence in this country; and whether, in view of the grave consequences of this situation, the Government will give careful consideration to this position?
Mr R.A. Butler
, Saffron Walden
I set out the general position as regards diplomatic immunities in the replies which I gave on 19th and 27th November. I am sending copies to the hon. Member. Since that date, diplomatic relations with Rumania and Bulgaria have been broken off.
Secretary of State was originally the title given to the two officials who conducted the Royal Correspondence under Elizabeth I. Now it is the title held by some of the more important Government Ministers, for example the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.