Step 1: Identify H. E. Bates.
H. E. Bates was a British author, best known for his short stories and novels, including *The Darling Buds of May*, which was later adapted into a popular television series.
Step 2: Analyze each option.
- (A) Austria: Incorrect. H. E. Bates was not from Austria.
- (B) Germany: Incorrect. H. E. Bates was not from Germany.
- (C) France: Incorrect. H. E. Bates was not from France.
- (D) Britain: Correct. H. E. Bates was a renowned British author.
Step 3: Conclusion.
H. E. Bates belonged to Britain.