HC Deb 02 April 1941 vol 370 c972
7. Mr. Mander

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any statement to make as to developments in Yugoslavia and the Balkans generally?

Mr. Butler

Since my statement to the House last week the situation has been completely altered by the establishment without any internal disorder of a new Government in Yugoslavia. The House will probably have noticed with gratification General Simovitch's—the Yugoslav Prime Minister—Order of the Day, in which, after asking that false rumours shall be ignored, he states that his Government is pursuing a friendly policy towards all its neighbours. The Order of the Day calls upon citizens to be prepared to defend their homes, and says that the Yugoslav Army, Air Force and Navy are prepared to do their duty. His Majesty's Government are in full and friendly relations with the new Government.

Mr. Mander

Would it be true to say that the British Government have promised the Yugoslav Government every possible support in the event of an attack by another Power?

Sir Hugh O'Neill

Is it a fact that the German Minister at Belgrade and the Yugoslav Minister at Berlin have been withdrawn?

Mr. Butler

I have seen a Press report that the German Minister has left Belgrade, but whether he has been withdrawn or not, I cannot say.

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