§ Mr. Lees-Smith (by Private Notice)asked the Prime Minister whether he can give the House any information about the Lease and Lend Bill?
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Churchill)The Lease-Lend Bill became law yesterday, when it received the signature of the President. I am sure the House would wish me to express on their behalf, and 1292 on behalf of the nation, our deep a no respectful appreciation of this monument of generous and far-seeing statesmanship.
The most powerful democracy have, in effect, declared in solemn Statute that they will devote their overwhelming industrial and financial strength to ensuring the defeat of Nazism in order that nations, great and small, may live in security, tolerance and freedom. By so doing, the Government and people of the United States have in fact written a new Magna Carta, which not only has regard to the rights and laws upon which a healthy and advancing civilisation can alone be erected, but also proclaims by precept and example the duty of free men and free nations, wherever they may be, to share the responsibility and burden of enforcing them.
In the name of His Majesty's Government and speaking, I am sure, for Parliament and for the whole country, and indeed, in the name of all freedom-loving peoples, I offer to the United States our gratitude for her inspiring act of faith.
§ Mr. GranvilleMay I ask the Prime Minister, in view of the great importance of this statement whether he would consider making a broadcast to the United States of America in similar terms and on a wavelength which could be heard by the people of this country as well?
§ The Prime MinisterThat is a matter in which a decision would have to be taken at the appropriate moment.