HC Deb 16 July 1941 vol 373 c574
5. Mr. Price

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that anti-Nazi Sudeten Germans are apprehensive that a policy of revenge will be carried out against all Germans in Czechoslovakia on the fall of the Nazi régime; and whether, in order to unite the ranks of all anti-Nazis in Europe, he will, by broadcast or any other appropriate method, let it be known that the Allies are determined to punish the Nazis but not all Germans indiscriminately?

Mr. Eden

I am aware of these apprehensions which are no doubt due to the behaviour of the occupying authorities and in particular of certain local leaders. As regards the second part of the Question, I would remind the hon. Member of the passage in my speech at the Mansion House on 29th May in which I referred to the part that Germany must play in any future system of free co-operation in Europe.

Mr. Price

While recognising the value of the Foreign Secretary's speech the other day, to which he refers, is it not a fact that Austria and Czechoslovakia are the weak link in the chain of the new order and that nothing should be done to discourage anti-Nazis in these two countries?

Mr. Eden

I certainly would not say that Czechoslovakia was a weak link. I do not think that is at all a correct interpretation.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with our propaganda in countries in Europe? Is it being based on the speech which he made at the Mansion House?

Mr. Eden

Yes, Sir, I understand that that speech is being widely used.