§ 70. Mr. Woodburnasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that Mexico is selling large quantities of petrol to Italy; and if he will consider preventing any chances of this petrol reaching Germany by terminating our dispute with Mexico and by buying the petrol on behalf of this country?
§ Mr. ButlerI am aware that Italy has been importing substantial quantities of petroleum from Mexico as was in fact the case before the war. Such evidence however as is available does not indicate that this oil is being re-exported to Germany. His Majesty's Government have always been and still are desirous of securing a settlement of the oil dispute with Mexico on a reasonable basis, but they are satisfied that the chances of the Italian Government re-exporting oil to Germany would not in any way be affected by such a settlement.
Miss RathboneIn view of the attitude which Italy appears to be taking up, is it quite safe that she should be importing large quantities of petrol? May they not be going to use it for a hostile object against ourselves?
§ Mr. G. StraussIs it not time we resumed our normal diplomatic relations with Mexico and that those diplomatic relations should not depend upon the oil interests?
§ Mr. ButlerHis Majesty's Government would like to come to a reasonable settlement of affairs with Mexico, and I hope it will be possible to achieve this.
§ Mr. LipsonApart from any dispute with Mexico, is it not desirable that we should obtain oil from any source we car?
§ Mr. ButlerCertainly, Sir.
§ Mr. WoodburnIs there any truth in the report that in the interests of this economic war with Mexico the interests of the far greater war are being sacrificed at the behest of these oil interests?
§ Mr. ButlerNo, Sir, that is not the case at all.