HC Deb 27 June 1938 vol 337 cc1514-5
9. Mr. G. Strauss

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the grave anxiety caused by Dr. Goebbels' statement on 21st June to the effect that it had been seen in Austria that one race cannot be separated into two countries and that it would soon be seen somewhere else, he will ask the German Government to give an assurance that they are not contemplating any action comparable to their seizure of Austria?

Mr. Butler

While His Majesty's Government naturally deprecate any public statements likely to render more difficult the negotiations now in progress in Prague, I understand that the statement attributed to Dr. Goebbels by the hon. Member does not appear in the official report of his speech. As I informed the House on 23rd May, the German Minister for Foreign Affairs has stated that the German Government fully share the desire of His Majesty's Government to see these negotiations succeed.

Mr. Strauss

As these words are quoted verbatim in the report of the "Times" Berlin correspondent, surely it is desirable when something is threatened which may cause a European war, that His Majesty's Government should make inquiries as to what is really meant?

Mr. Butler

Equal importance should be attributed to the fact that this statement does not appear in the official report.

Mr. Gallacher

Is it not notorious that they cook their official report for home consumption?