§ 33. Mr. ELLIS SMITHasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether permission was given to Air Marshal Sir Edward Ellington, Chief-of-Staff of the Air Force, to meet Herr Von Ribbentrop on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd June?
§ Sir P. SASSOONSir Edward Ellington met Herr Von Ribbentrop as a fellow-guest in a private house. Their meeting had no political significance, and no question of permission arose.
§ Mr. SMITHDoes the right hon. Baronet consider it desirable that people in high places in His Majesty's Forces should be allowed to do what the rank and file are not allowed to do?
§ 45. Mr. SMITHasked the Prime Minister whether he can inform the House of the purpose of the visit of Herr Von Ribbentrop to London and Belfast during the first week of June?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have no information other than what has appeared in the Press from which I understand that the visit was a private one.
§ Mr. SMITHIs there any connection between the visit of Herr Von Ribbentrop and the man who presided at a meeting held the other night, and the statement made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on that occasion?
§ Mr. THURTLEWill the Prime Minister consult with the Minister for Air in order to find whether there is any significance in the interview which took place between the Chief of Staff of the Air Force and Herr Von Ribbentrop?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI should like to say here that I cannot understand the objections that have been raised. My own view in the present state of Europe is that all these social and friendly meeting between such men are wholly beneficial.
§ Mr. SMITHI beg to give notice that at the end of Questions I shall, with your permission, Sir, raise this matter as a question of urgent public importance.