HC Deb 28 February 1940 vol 357 cc2036-8
3. Mr. Arthur Henderson

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make it clear that, although it is the policy of His Majesty's Government to restore the Polish and Czech territories, it is not their policy to partition Germany, in view of official German propaganda alleging that such is the policy of His Majesty's Government?

Mr. Butler

I would refer the hon. and learned Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Bilston (Mr. Hannah) on 31st January, which characterised such propaganda as "fantastic and malicious."

4. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Prime Minister whether, with a view to maintaining peace in Europe, it is the policy of His Majesty's Government that the peace conference which will be held at the termination of the present war, should hear the representatives of any European Government which desires to place its national grievances before the conference?

Mr. Butler

I would refer the hon. and learned Member to the Prime Minister's speech at Birmingham on 24th February, in which he made it clear that we and our French allies could not and would not wish alone to settle the new Europe.

Mr. Henderson

Arising from that answer, is it the intention of the Government to allow any European Government which desires to be at the conference to put forward its national grievances?

Mr. Butler

I am sure that any such settlement will be comprehensive in scope. The fact that we do not want to settle alone should reassure the hon. and learned Member.

Mr. Thorne

You have not settled the date yet?

Mr. Mander

I take it that the neutral countries will not be confined to those in Europe?

9. Mr. J. J. Davidson

asked the Prime Minister whether he will now give to the House specific points upon which His Majesty's Government would be prepared to enter into peace negotiations?

Mr. Butler

I would refer the hon. Member to the Prime Minister's speech at Birmingham on 24th February, in which the position of His Majesty's Government was clearly stated.

Mr. Davidson

Is the right hon. Member aware that I asked for "specific points"? Is he further aware that there is a certain amount of suspicion in the country with regard to the Government's intentions, which retards the national war effort? In view of that, will he not take steps to allay that suspicion by placing down the specific points?

Mr. Butler

I think each one of us can help the national war effort. The statement which most accurately represents the Government's view was made by the Prime Minister in his Birmingham speech.

Mr. Davidson

Is the Under-Secretary aware that when hon. Members at public meetings do try to assist the war efforts, they are met with suspicions of the Government's intentions? Does he not agree that that can only be allayed by the Government specifically stating terms under which they would enter peace?

Lieut.-Colonel Acland Troyte

Is not the only suspicion of the Government in this matter held by the country the fear that they will be too soft in their peace terms?