HC Deb 12 July 1939 vol 349 cc2236-7
46. Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider issuing invitations through the appropriate Departments to distinguished officers of the fighting forces of Germany and Italy, and any other country considered desirable, to visit Britain in the near future and see our defence forces and establishments at work?

The Prime Minister

It has been the custom from time to time for distinguished officers of the fighting forces of foreign countries to visit this country for the purpose of seeing our Service establishments, and this practice is being continued.

Sir T. Moore

Would my right hon. Friend not consider extending the practice to both senior and distinguished officers of these various countries, because of the fact that, in our opinion, it might tend to remove misunderstandings and doubts—

Mr. Speaker

That is a very long supplementary.

Mr. Kirkwood

Is the Prime Minister aware that in June, 1914, there was a big deputation to this country from Germany, both from the Admiralty and the Army and from Krupps' works, but that the War broke out in August, 1914?