HC Deb 21 August 1940 vol 364 cc1282-3
15. Mr. Cocks

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what diplomatic relations or contacts exist between His Majesty's Government and the Government of Vichy?

Mr. Butler

Since the departure of the French Chargé d' Affaires and the staff of the French Embassy, on 18th July, some formal communications have been exchanged between His Majesty's Government and the Vichy Government. These have been conducted through the intermediary of the United States Government, which has assumed charge of British interests in unoccupied as well as in occupied France. Semi-official exchanges take place with the chief assistant to M. Paul Morand, who has been charged by his Government with the liquidation of outstanding economic and commercial questions between France and the United Kingdom. M. Paul Morand himself has left for Vichy with the members of the French Embassy, in order to consult his Government, and has not yet returned to this country.

Mr. Cocks

Do we understand from that answer that the only communication we have from the Government at Vichy is through the United States Government?

Mr. Butler

I said that that is the channel of approach in France. The channel of approach here, semi-officially, is through M. Paul Morand.

Mr. McGovern

Is not the best approach through Hitler?

16. Mr. Purbrick

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now in a position to give an assurance that the French sailors who have opted to return to France, and are now awaiting repatriation, will not be allowed to leave this country before the reciprocal negotiations with the French Government to repatriate the British subjects now in unoccupied France are satisfactorily completed?

Mr. Butler

I regret that the negotiations which are proceeding with the French Government on this subject have not yet reached a stage which would enable me to add anything to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend on 14th August.

Mr. Purbrick

In view of the fact that since that date more of these French sailors have been repatriated, does my right hon. Friend not think that it is wrong that any French sailor, or any other French subject, should be allowed to go there, while our own subjects are not allowed to return here?

Mr. Butler

I am aware of that, but, as negotiations are still proceeding, I am unable at present to make any further statement.