HC Deb 20 September 1939 vol 351 cc956-7
71. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Lord Privy Seal, as representing the Minister of Information, whether His Majesty's Government have any official confirmation of the statement issued by Herr Hitler's headquarters that the German air force were intending to bomb open towns and the civilian population of Poland; and whether His Majesty's Government has now any official information of the extent to which such bombing of open towns and the civilian population of Poland has already taken place?

Sir E. Grigg

His Majesty's Government have, of course, no longer any official contact with Germany, but the statement referred to was broadcast from Berlin and has been corroborated from so many reliable sources that there can be no reasonable doubt as to its authenticity. As regards the second part of the question, the hon. Member will no doubt have seen in the Press accounts of the reports which Mr. Biddle, the United States Ambassador to Poland, has furnished to his Government. Information received from His Majesty's Ambassador is such as to confirm the facts described by Mr. Biddle, including the bombardment of the entirely undefended village in which the foreign missions accredited to Poland were at the time accommodated.

Mr. Dalton

Now that His Majesty's Ambassador to Poland, after gallantly risking his life in the pursuance of his duty, is on the way home, may we be assured that full information will be obtained from him as to the extent of these alleged atrocities?

Sir E. Grigg

Certainly.

Mr. A. Henderson

In view of the undertaking that was given by His Majesty's Government following the appeal of the President of the United States, can the hon.Member say whether His Majesty's Government are keeping in contact with President Roosevelt on this matter?

Sir E. Grigg

I hope my hon. Friend will address that question to the appropriate Department.