HC Deb 02 July 1941 vol 372 cc1358-61
71. Mr. G. Strauss

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether he can make a statement on the release by the British Navy of a French ship carrying valuable supplies, including many thousands of tons of oil, to the Vichy authorities in North Africa?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Warfare (Mr. Dingle Foot)

My right hon. Friend informed the House on 10th June that a proposal had been under discussion during the past two months between the United States Government and the French authorities whereby limited shipments of goods would be permitted for consumption in French North Africa, but that for the moment discussions were suspended. Since then, as the result of further consultation with the United States Government, His Majesty's Government have agreed to permit three ships to sail from the United States to French North Africa, one of which is the tanker "Schehere-zade," to which my hon. Friend's Question presumably refers. These supplies are to be consumed solely in French North Africa, and their distribution is subject to the supervision of American consular officers.

Mr. Strauss

Is there not a serious danger that this oil, at any rate, might be used against this country in light aeroplanes or submarines operating off the French coast, and possibly by Vichy or German aeroplanes?

Mr. Foot

I think it was made clear by Mr. Sumner Welles in his statement at Washington yesterday that this oil is to be distributed and administered under the supervision of American Consular officers.

Mr. Strauss

May not that release other oil for military purposes?

Mr. Shinwell

When I put the original Question to which the Parliamentary Secretary referred in the answer he has just given some weeks ago to his right hon. Friend, did not his right hon. Friend admit that it would be indefensible to allow the passage of these ships from the United States of America to North Africa, did he not himself agree that it would be wrong to allow the free passage of these ships, and why is it that his Department has now succumbed to the blandishments from the other side?

The Prime Minister (Mr. Churchill)

I think that we must in this important matter be guided to a very large extent by the opinion of the great and friendly country whose assistance is indispensable to our war effort.

Mr. Shinwell

Yes, Sir, and although obviously the Government must be guided to some extent by the opinions of countries with whom we are, in friendly relations, does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that the passage of these ships certainly requires some further explanation, in view of the fact that goods that we require in this country are being sent to what is, in fact, enemy country?

The Prime Minister

Yes, Sir. I think it would be a difficult question to thrash out in public, from various points of view. I think that there is a good deal to be said on both sides of the argument. On the whole I have become convinced that it is an advantage to the United States to have contacts which in our case no longer exist.

Sir Irving Albery

Would it not have been better if this Question had been answered by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, who is responsible, and not the Minister of Economic Warfare?

The Prime Minister

A question of this kind begins over the matter of shipping or of economic warfare.

Mr. Shinwell

Is this practice to be continued, or is this to be regarded as an isolated case?

The Prime Minister

I cannot possibly answer that question. Is the hon. Member discontented?

Mr. Shinwell

I am discontented.

The Prime Minister

Then, in that case, he should take the opportunity of raising this matter in Debate.

Mr. Shinwell

The right hon. Gentleman did not want a Debate.

The Prime Minister

The whole tendency of this Question pays too little attention to the gravity of the situation.

Mr. Shinwell

The right hon. Gentleman suggests that this matter can be raised in Debate. I understood him to say that it would be wrong to raise it in Debate.

The Prime Minister

Perhaps if the Debate took a certain turn I should have to draw the attention of Mr. Speaker to the fact that there were Strangers present.

Mr. Hammersley

Are the Government quite satisfied that proper safeguards have been taken to see that this oil does not release other oil, which might be sent to enemy countries?

The Prime Minister

The whole matter has been most carefully discussed and is a matter of high policy. I am of the opinion that the views of the United States should be treated with the greatest respect. I am certain of this, that any action which may at this time be taken by the United States is conceived only with a sincere desire to aid the war effort of this country.

Mr. Gallacher

Did not the Minister of Economic Warfare declare in this House that material that went to North Africa found its way into the hands of Germany; and is it not strange that oil should be released now that could possibly find its way into the hands of Germany?