31. Lieut.-Colonel Sir F. HALLasked the Secretary of State for War and Air, if, as the result of the long period which elapsed between the time of the Armistice 207 and the visits paid by the Allied Aeronautical Commission to the aeroplane and motor works and aerodromes in Germany, the Germans were enabled to secrete a large quantity of important aircraft material and machinery; and what action is proposed to be taken to deal with the position thus created.
§ Mr. CHURCHILLIf my hon. and gallant Friend has any information which bears out the suggestion contained in his question, I shall be glad if he will communicate it to me, but he can rest assured that the Inter-Allied Aeronautical Commission of Control is taking all possible measures to see that the terms of the Treaty in regard to the surrender of aeronautical material are fully carried out.
Sir F. HALLMay I ask when the Allied Commission made their inspection? Was it immediately after the Armistice, and did they succeed in finding the jigs and dies for new classes of aeroplanes?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe arrangements under which the disarmament of Germany is carried out are set forth fully in the Peace Treaty, and should be studied there. So far as those arrangements permit us to act, we have been acting with the utmost energy, and shall continue so to act, but I must ask for detailed notice if I am to give an answer in regard to the actual provisions of the Treaty.
Sir F. HALLDoes not the right hon. Gentleman recognise the fact that if inspection was not made as soon as it was possible for it to be made, the Germans could do away with all the processes for new aeroplanes? Does he recognise the importance of that, so far as this country is concerned, with regard to the jigs and dies?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLOf course, the whole question of the manufacture of commercial aeroplanes is very closely allied to the question of the manufacture of war aeroplanes. They are permitted under the Treaty to manufacture commercial aeroplanes.