HC Deb 22 May 1941 vol 371 cc1580-1
46. Mr. Garro Jones

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any information as to the extent of the assistance which is being given, on the authority of the Vichy Government, to the German armed forces in Syria; and whether this assistance extends to the transfer of some of the equipment of the French Syrian forces to German forces?

Mr. Attlee

My right hon. Friend has no exact details as to the full extent of the assistance afforded to the Germans in Syria by the Vichy Government. It is, however, known that the authorities have placed their aerodromes at the disposal of the Axis Powers, and there is good reason to believe that surplus French equipment it being supplied to the rebel forces in Iraq.

Mr. Garro Jones

Without asking for any stronger premature action, may I ask whether the Government are satisfied that the strongest possible methods of propaganda among the French Syrian forces are being conducted by the Ministry of Information and through other channels?

Mr. Attlee

I would like to have notice of that question.

Mr. Garro Jones

Is that a question on which the Lord Privy Seal is unable to assure the House without my giving notice?