§ 46. Mr. SHINWELLasked the Prime Minister whether he has considered the speech delivered by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in which he stated the conditions on which this country would resort to the use of arms; whether this represents Government policy; and whether he would issue a White Paper in amplification of the speech in order to clarify the position?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir John Simon)The answer to the first and second parts of the question is, Yes, Sir. As regards the third part, I think that the Government's policy as expressed by my right hon. Friend is perfectly clear, and I do not think any further steps such as suggested are required.
§ Mr. SHINWELLIf, in the opinion of the right hon. Gentleman, the speech of the Foreign Secretary represented Government policy, why was it not made in this House instead of being made outside?
§ Sir J. SIMONI think the statement made by my right hon. Friend was a perfectly proper statement to make, and it was admirably clear, but I am not aware that it laid down anything very new.
Miss RATHBONEIs the House to infer that the Government have definitely departed from that policy of steady and collective resistance to all acts of unprovoked aggression to which the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Chelsea (Sir S. Hoare) told us on 11th September last year that he and his Government adhered with a firm, enduring and universal persistence?
§ Sir J. SIMONI do not think there is any case for setting one declaration 422 against the other. What was stated by the Foreign Secretary was stated on behalf of the whole Government.