HC Deb 03 December 1941 vol 376 c1106
2. Captain Alan Graham

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has considered the copy sent to him of a statement in a lecture by President Benes, of Czechoslovakia, at Aberdeen University, on 10th November, to the effect that post-war Germany should receive some form of colonial compensation; and whether he will state the attitude of His Majesty's Government to such an idea?

Mr. Law

Yes, Sir. My right hon. Friend has seen the report to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers. There seems to be some doubt whether the report accurately represented Dr. Benes's words. In any case, His Majesty's Government take no responsibility for anything that may have been said on that occasion.

Captain Graham

While thanking my hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask if His Majesty's Government will exercise their persuasive powers to prevent President Benes from making similar incautious remarks in future?

Mr. Law

His Majesty's Government cannot be responsible for what is said by the heads of foreign Governments in this country.

Mr. Mander

Is it not the case that Allied States are perfectly free to express their views in any way they please in this country?

Mr. Law

Yes, Sir.