§ Mr. Lees-SmithMay I ask the Prime Minister whether he has any information to give about the war situation?
§ The Prime MinisterIn the Suda Bay area further air-borne attacks commenced at 4.30 yesterday. About 3,000 men were dropped. By 6.30 the greater part of these had been accounted for. Fighting continues, and the situation was reported to be in hand at 9 p.m. The method of attack was by Stukas, that is, dive-bombers, and Messerschmitts, followed by gliders and parachutes. In the Heraklion and Retimo areas attacks began at 5.30 by parachutists. Troop-carrying aircraft, many of which crashed, also landed. There are no details yet. Of course, we must expect that fighting will continue and increase in severity.
§ Mr. MolsonIs there any confirmation of the report that the parachutists who were dropped were wearing New Zealand battle-dress?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, and another report said that those who landed at Retimo were wearing English battle-dress. I see that the Germans have denied this.
§ Mr. MolsonWill the men dressed in British uniform be dealt with according to international law?
§ The Prime MinisterI am not sufficiently informed of the exact circumstances. I think that we must leave a certain amount of discretion to those on the spot.