HC Deb 13 March 1941 vol 369 cc1416-7
45. Mr. Stokes

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider embodying in any declaration which may be made on behalf of His Majesty's Government on the foundations of peace the principles of assuring to all nations their right to life and independence, delivering nations from the slavery imposed upon them by the race for armaments, adjusting international rules and the control of resources to meet the needs and demands of nations, populations and racial minorities, even where no strictly legal right can be established, instituting some juridical body which will guarantee the faithful fulfilment of the conditions agreed upon, and developing among peoples and their rulers that sense of responsibility which weighs human statutes according to the laws of God?

The Lord Privy Seal (Mr. Attlee)

These and all other relevant matters will, no doubt, be taken into consideration, but I have nothing to add at present to previous answers given on this subject.

Mr. Stokes

Does the Lord Privy Seal recognise that the Question on the Order Paper contains the gist of the five points laid down by his Holiness the Pope as forming a solid foundation for future peace; is he aware that those points have been accepted universally by the representatives of the Christian Churches in this country, and would it not help the common good if the Government would make a pronouncement to the same effect?

Mr. Thurtle

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that in any declaration of peace aims made by the Government it is essential to avoid these vague, pious platitudes?