46. Mr. Vyvyan Adamsasked the Prime Minister whether he will give an assurance that His Majesty's Government intends no transfer of British Colonial or Mandated Territories?
§ The Prime MinisterI have nothing to add to previous statements on this subject made on behalf of His Majesty's Government.
Mr. AdamsIn order that we may be quite clear on the matter, may I ask whether His Majesty's Government adhere to an answer given to me by the Noble Lord the Member for South Dorset (Viscount Cranborne) in February of last year, when he said:
His Majesty's Government have not considered and are not considering such a transfer."—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 15thFebruary, 1937; col. 815; Vol. 320.]
§ The Prime MinisterI would refer the hon. Member to the answer which was given on 30th November, 1937, which contains a statement of the present position.
§ Mr. ShinwellHow far have the Government moved from the position stated by the present Chancellor of the Exchequer, when he was Foreign Secretary and said that the question of the ex-German Colonies is not discussible?
Mr. V. AdamsIs the Prime Minister aware that any policy of colonial concession to Germany would meet, throughout the country, with tremendous opposition?
§ Mr. ThorneIn consequence of the importance of this question, will the Prime Minister, when he meets Herr Hitler, find 292 out from him what he really wants, so that he may be able to tell the House?
§ Mr. ShinwellCan the Prime Minister give me an answer to my question?
§ The Prime MinisterI have done so in the statement I have made already.
§ Mr. ShinwellWill the Prime Minister be in a position to make a clear statement on the Government's position as regards ex-German Colonies?
§ The Prime MinisterI have made a clear statement.