HC Deb 03 July 1941 vol 372 cc1502-3
77. Mr. Mander

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether he will give particulars of the agreement between Great Britain, the United States of America and Vichy France, for the resumption of regular shipments of supplies to French North Africa; and what reasons exist for the lifting of the blockade to Vichy France and the release of the "Scheherezade" with a cargo of 16,000 tons of oil?

The Minister of Economic Warfare (Mr. Dalton)

As regards the first and last parts of the Question, I have nothing to add to the answer given yesterday to the hon. Member for North Lambeth (Mr. G. Strauss). As regards the second part of the Question, as was made clear yesterday, these shipments are exclusively for domestic consumption in North Africa, and there is to be no re-export to Metropolitan France.

Mr. Mander

Is it not the case that this ship is the largest tanker in the world, and in view of the treatment we are receiving in Syria at the present time from the Vichy Government, is it not intolerable that this effort at appeasement should continue?

Mr. Dalton

I do not think I can usefully add anything to the series of answers given yesterday from this Box by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary and by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister.

Mr. Mander

But will my right hon. Friend bear in mind the very strong feeling in the House and in the country on this point?

Earl Winterton

Would the right hon. Gentleman explain what he means when he says that steps have been taken to prevent this oil being exported to France? What effective steps can His Majesty's Government take?

Mr. Dalton

I think it was explained yesterday that guarantees had been received by the United States Government that re-export will not take place and that consumption will only take place locally. American consular officers will be present in North Africa with the right to supervise the distribution of any stocks brought in by these ships.

Sir A. Knox

But if this oil will not be re-exported, it can replace other oil which can be re-exported to Germany.

Mr. Dalton

I doubt whether that would be so when we consider the character of the oil. Most of it is kerosene and low-grade gasoline.

Mr. Davidson

Was my right hon. Friend's Department fully consulted before this arrangement was made, and was this arrangement a Cabinet decision?

Mr. Dalton

The answer to both Questions is "Yes"

Sir I. Albery

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that his Department in this case has been over-ruled on a question of major policy?

Mr. Dalton

No, Sir.

Dr. Russell Thomas

Has the right hon. Gentleman any faith in the guarantees of the Vichy Government?