§ 6. Mr. Cocksasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government has yet received a request for full recognition from the Provisional Government of France and for its representation on certain Allied commissions; and whether he can make a statement on the matter.
§ Mr. LawAlthough the French Administration has never put forward any official request in writing to His Majesty's Government for recognition as Provisional Government, yet both in official and unofficial conversations it has been made clear to the British representative in Paris that the French hope and expect that recognition will be accorded at the earliest opportunity. As regards representation on Allied commissions, my hon. Friend will have seen from my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Southwark, Central, yesterday that the question of French 1723 membership of the European Advisory Commission is under consideration.
§ Mr. CocksCould the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Government are waiting until the election of the Assembly on 7th November before taking a definite decision on recognition?
§ Mr. LawI think the position of the Government was quite clearly outlined by the Prime Minister in his speech to the House a week or two ago. I have nothing to add to that.
§ Mr. LipsonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the serious effect this may have on the future if there is any undue delay in the matter?