HC Deb 01 May 1939 vol 346 cc1488-9
11. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Prime Minister whether, with a view to securing a general peace settlement, His Majesty's Government will convey to President Roosevelt their willingness to discuss the placing of all non-self-governing colonial territories under international control in which the German Government would be eligible to participate as part of such a settlement?

14. Mr. Vyvyan Adams

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make it plain that, in welcoming President Roosevelt's message, he proposes to exclude from the proposed conference all questions of colonial territorial concessions to any of the Axis-Powers?

Mr. Butler

The attitude of His Majesty's Government was clearly stated in a speech by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies in the House on 7th December last and in the Prime Minister's speech on 31st January last.

Mr. Henderson

Will the Government be prepared to discuss this question of colonies as a part of a general settlement or in order to secure such a settlement?

Mr. Butler

I appreciate the importance of this question, but I cannot add anything to the speeches made by my two right hon. Friends.

Mr. Sandys

Is it not most undesirable to raise hopes of this kind in Germany?

Mr. Henderson

Is it not desirable to convince the world that this country is not seeking to take part in an Imperialistic war, but seeks to give justice to all?

Mr. V. Adams

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind both the welfare of the native populations and the strategic implications as well?

Sir William Davison

Is it not a fact that the proposals in the question would not satisfy the German Government?

Mr. H. G. Williams

Has any study been given by hon. Members opposite to the unsatisfactory government which prevails in those countries which are already under international control?