HC Deb 22 April 1941 vol 371 cc8-9
12. Mr. Mander

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare what steps he is taking to prevent the further import of war materials and food through Vichy France to the enemy?

The Minister of Economic Warfare (Mr. Dalton)

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave him on 8th April, when I stated that His Majesty's Government have in no degree waived their belligerent rights, that whenever interception is practicable, blockade-runners are brought into our control bases and both the ships and cargoes seized, and that, as regards measures for the stricter enforcement of the blockade, I am in constant communication with my right hon. Friend the First Lord of the Admiralty.

Mr. Mander

Can the Minister say how many French ships we have been bringing in?

Mr. Dalton

Yes, Sir. Since 1st January 18 French ships have been intercepted. Of this number, 11 have been brought into Gibraltar, two to Freetown, two to Table Bay, two to Durban, and one to Mauritius. Four of these vessels were outward bound from Unoccupied France, and one from Occupied France, and the rest were inward bound.

14. Mr. Mander

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether he will bring to the attention of the United States Government the fact that Germany only permits conquered populations, whether in Occupied or Unoccupied France or elsewhere, to have sufficient food to keep them alive to work as slaves for Axis purposes, and that any supply of food through the British blockade must prolong the war and fail to help the French?

Mr. Dalton

It is notorious that the practice of the German Government in all the territories over which they have obtained control is to claw away the largest possible quantity of foodstuffs, and indeed of all commodities needed by them, leaving the subject peoples with a bare subsistence ration. All reports which we receive on this subject are communicated to the Government of the United States, who also have their own sources of information.

Mr. Mander

Does my right hon. Friend think it would be possible to persuade Mr. Hoover that we are fighting for our lives, and for the lives of Americans too?

Mr. Dalton

I hope Mr. Hoover will have read the admirable reply to him published in the "Times" yesterday.