§ 64. Mr. Lambertasked the Minister of Information whether he will request the British Broadcasting Corporation to accentuate in broadcasts to Germany and the Continent the efforts, in 1938 and 1939, of the late Mr. Neville Chamberlain 1254 for peace and his striving to secure the settlement of international differences by conciliation rather than by force?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Information (Mr. Thurtle)When dealing with the question of responsibility for the war, it is clearly desirable to draw attention to the efforts of His Majesty's Government to preserve peace in Europe. But as the hon. Member will realise it is equally important to lay emphasis on the faithless and aggressive character of German policy during the pre-war years.
§ Sir W. DavisonDoes not the hon. Gentleman think it would be very undesirable at the present time to put forward the suggestion contained in the Question, which might cause it to be generally considered that we were longing for peace on Hitler's terms?
§ Mr. ThurtleI am not in a position to add to my Answer, except to say that it is the view of the Government that His Majesty's Government's efforts to preserve peace are best shown against the background of Hitler's perfidy and perjury.
§ Mr. LambertIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the object of my Question is to show that the entire responsibility for the horrors now existing in Europe rests on Hitler and his associates?
§ Mr. ThurtleThe Government are fully aware of that fact, and are anxious to see that it is brought out in all propaganda.