HC Deb 16 July 1941 vol 373 cc574-5
7. Mr. Mander

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any statement to make with reference to the pronouncement, made by the Prime Minister of Iceland, that British troops are to leave Iceland when the Americans arrive?

Mr. Eden

I have nothing to add to the message sent by President Roosevelt to the Prime Minister of Iceland to the effect that he was prepared to send United States troops to Iceland to supplement and eventually replace the British Forces there.

Mr. Mander

Did not the Prime Minister state the other day that British Forces would remain in Iceland? Will the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to clear up the doubt that appears to exist as to whether British troops will stay in Iceland or not?

Mr. Eden

I think the position is really clear. It is a question of time. The position is governed by President Roosevelt's speech.

Mr. Shinwell

Did not the right hon. Gentleman see the statement made the other day by a very important American Senator, to the effect that it was desirable that British troops should leave for fear of aggression?

Mr. A. C. Reed

Does not my right hon. Friend think that Herr Hitler would be very glad to have a full answer to the supplementary question put by the hon. Gentleman the Member for East Wolverhampton (Mr. Mander)?