§ 46. Sir A. Southbyasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that what purport to be the terms under which the bases in British possessions have been 698 leased to the United States have been published in the United States of America, he will reconsider his decision not to acquaint this House with the terms before the Agreement is signed?
§ Mr. AttleeMy hon. and gallant Friend is no doubt aware that the full text of the Agreement will be available in the Vote Office later to-day. My right hon. Friend cannot be held responsible for reports which may have appeared elsewhere.
§ Sir A. SouthbyIs the Lord Privy Seal aware that Mr. Vinson, Chairman of the Navy Committee in the United States House of Representatives, read to the House of Representatives a statement giving the terms under which these bases were handed over? Does he wish to justify the fact that information was allowed to the House of Representatives in America which has been denied to the House of Commons and the people of this country?
§ Mr. AttleeMy hon. and gallant Friend had better raise that matter in Debate.
§ Sir A. SouthbyMay I ask whether the Lord Privy Seal is aware that the newspaper report is headed, "Mr. Vinson discloses the terms," and that this took place on 25th February? Is there any reason why on 25th February the people of the United States and the House of Representatives should be given information about the terms of the leasing of these bases, which has been denied persistently to Members of this House and the people of this country?
§ Mr. AttleeI cannot add to the answer I have already given that my right hon. Friend cannot be held, responsible for reports which have appeared elsewhere.
§ Sir A. SouthbyThis is not a report. It is a statement to the United States House of Representatives. In view of what the right hon. Gentleman said about a Debate, there is no certainty that a Debate is going to take place. I therefore have no option but to raise the matter on the Adjournment.