HC Deb 14 August 1940 vol 364 cc753-4
1. Mr. Mander

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is proposed to continue the supply of oil and other articles required for war purposes from British sources to Japan in view of the refusal of such supplies to China by the closing of the Burma Road; and whether the action of the United States of America Government in prohibiting the export of oil to Japan will be borne in mind in this connection; and what proposals for the export of Empire products generally to Japan are under consideration?

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

I have no statement to make at present on the first two points raised by the hon. Member. As to the third, I would refer him to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Economic Warfare on 6th August to the hon. Member for Romford (Mr. Parker).

Mr. Mander

Does the Minister realise that the continuous supply to Japan of raw materials would be a sanction for aggression and would be helping the aggressor? Is it the intention to do that?

Mr. Butler

The hon. Member may be satisfied that every aspect of this question is in mind.

Mr. Mander

But are the Government doing anything about it?

Mr. Noel-Baker

Will not the Government consider adopting the principle of the United States, because it is vital, in view of the possibility of a long war, that we ourselves should build up all possible stocks of these materials for our own needs?

Mr. Butler

Our own needs are the paramount consideration of His Majesty's Government.