HC Deb 15 October 1940 vol 365 c582
27. Mr. Wedgwood

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the long delays in receiving letters from the troops in Egypt and the Near East; and whether alternative routes through Odessa and Murmansk or at senders risk by convoy through the Mediterranean have been considered?

The Assistant Postmaster-General (Captain Waterhouse)

I have been asked to reply. I am aware that, owing to the interruption of the normal routes, the time of transmission of mails from Egypt and the Near East has unfortunately been considerably increased, but I can assure my hon. Friend that all possible steps are being taken to improve the service. The possibility of using a route via Russia has been kept constantly in sight, but has not been found to be practicable. The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics send mails from that country to the United Kingdom via Siberia and the United States of America. My Department is in the closest touch with the Ministry of Shipping and the Service Departments and no possible outlet for mails either to or from the Near East is neglected.

Mr. Wedgwood

Would it not be possible to ask Sir Stafford Cripps to approach the Soviet Government and ask them to do us this service of sending ships direct to England and thereby facilitate letters?

Captain Waterhouse

I am quite prepared to consider that suggestion, but the right hon. Gentleman will remember that the Russians themselves send their mails via Siberia.

Mr. Wedgwood

But, if you ask them, they might do it.