§ 16. Mr. Cocksasked the Minister of Information whether British propaganda will now be directed to arousing the democratic and revolutionary spirit of the French people, urging them to defy the orders of the Vichy Government, to refuse to pay taxes, and to take every opportunity of revolting against Admiral Darlan and his fellow Ministers?
§ Mr. NicolsonThe hon. Member may be assured that there is no lack of vigour in our propaganda to France. Our view of the policy adopted by the Vichy Government is made abundantly clear to the French people, who are continually urged to manifest their extreme disapproval of the course to which they are being committed.
§ Mr. CocksIs the Minister aware that public opinion is rather exercised over the fact that, until recently anyhow, our attitude towards the Vichy Government has been rather weak and conciliatory and is believed to represent the atmosphere prevailing in the Foreign Office?
§ Mr. NicolsonI would recommend my hon. Friend to listen regularly in the course of a week to our broadcasts in French.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerWill the Minister consider having broadcast now the statement made by General de Gaulle in Brazzaville, last December, and in London, in February, which the French people have not yet heard?
§ Mr. GallacherAm I to understand from the answer that the Government are carrying on revolutionary propaganda? If so, I shall be pleased to assist them.