HC Deb 02 October 1939 vol 351 cc1653-4
2. Colonel Wedgwood

asked the Prime Minister whether he will obtain reports from His Majesty's Minister late in Warsaw, and from our Consuls late in Katowice and Krakow as to the actual results of air-raid bombings upon life and property, including the approximate number of days when bombing took place, and the number of bombs dropped?

The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Butler)

Hon. Members will have realised from previous answers given the extent of damage to life and property caused by the bombing of open towns in Poland. Having regard to the conditions under which our diplomatic and consular officials were obliged to carry out their duties and the extent of the war area, it would be impossible to obtain detailed statements at this distance of space and time.

Colonel Wedgwood

Would it not be of great value if we could find out the actual effect of German bombing during one raid on Warsaw so that we might have some idea of what it would be here? As we have had a Minister in Warsaw a report from him would be particularly valuable at the present time.

Mr. Butler

The right hon. and gallant Gentleman may rest assured that our officers of every kind are obtaining all the information they are able to get and that we are examining the information. I am sure that anybody coming here will receive the reception they deserve.

Colonel Wedgwood

May I ask where the Government got the fantastic idea of the number of casualties which would be caused in an air raid on London?

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