§ 17. Mr. Wedgwoodasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will order an inquiry into the discipline and circumstances connected with the loss of anti-Nazi Germans and anti-Fascist Italians in 1135 the "Arandora Star," in particular as to the putting up of a Nazi flag in a mess-room and forcing the anti-Nazis to salute it, and the locking up of 200 below at the time of the sinking?
§ The Secretary of State for War (Mr. Eden)I have made inquiries, and have been unable to obtain confirmation of the alleged incident as to the Nazi flag. I am definitely assured that no internees were locked up below decks or elsewhere.
§ Mr. WedgwoodWhy was it that the survivors from the "Arandora Star" were immediately shipped off abroad before they could give any evidence or information?
§ Mr. EdenThat is another question, but I have caused inquiries to be made of the chief officer of the ship, who was one of the gallant crew who did their best to save these people, and he is quite definite that nobody was locked up either below decks or anywhere else. His evidence is quite sufficient for me.
§ Mr. LoganHaving seen the boat and the crew, is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that there was no Nazi flag flying on board that ship?
§ Sir Irving AlberyIs it not regrettable that Questions of this kind should be put unless there is definite evidence justifying them?
§ Mr. WedgwoodOn a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. I think I am entitled to point out to the right hon. Gentleman, to you, Sir, and to the House that it is a matter for the honour of this country that there should be nothing of this sort happening. There should be a full inquiry.