§ 26. Sir S. HOAREasked the Prime Minister whether the Government has come to any decision as to the continuance of the mission to the Vatican?
§ The PRIME MINISTERHis Majesty's Government have decided, after full and careful consideration, that it is desirable in the public interest to continue the diplomatic representation of Great Britain at the Vatican, which has been in existence since the first year of the War and has been attended with beneficial results.
§ Mr. INSKIPMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether our representative at the Vatican will continue there only as long as the Vatican lends no approval to unfriendly acts by its agents towards the British Empire?
§ Sir S. HOAREIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that no such unfriendly acts have, as far as we know, been committed? [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh, oh!"]
§ Mr. W. COOTEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this appointment was made as a temporary appointment for the duration of the War, and does he realise the strong feeling that there is in the country that the functions of this Envoy should cease, inasmuch as they are not producing any peace in the nation at the present time?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI do not quite agree with my hon. Friend as to the feeling in the country. I think the general feeling is that it is in the general interests of the country that the British Envoy should remain there.