HC Deb 12 February 1941 vol 368 cc1367-8
43. Mr. Martin

asked the Prime Minister whether consultations on peace aims and reconstruction have taken place with the Government of the United States of America; and whether he can give the House an assurance that, before any statement is made outside this country, His Majesty's Government will inform Parliament of their policy?

The Prime Minister (Mr. Churchill)

There is such a thorough comprehension in the United States of what we are fighting for and what we stand for that I can recall no occasion when the question of peace aims or reconstruction has been mentioned by any of the representatives of the American Government I have seen or corresponded with. I can certainly give the House no assurance about statements which may be made about war aims outside this country, or indeed inside this country outside the ranks of the Government. Statements of British policy will be made by His Majesty's Ministers on such occasions as seem agreeable to the public interest.

Mr. Lindsay

Does my right hon. Friend realise that much of the woolly talk about peace aims would be satisfied if either a brief statement were made, or no statement were made at all, so that there would be no doubt about it?

Sir A. Southby

Can the Prime Minister put that Supplementary Question among the woolly statements that are being made?

Mr. G. Griffiths

Can the Prime Minister make the statement at Nine o'Clock on Sunday night? It would be a very good job if he did.

The Prime Minister

I think I must be allowed to be the judge.