HC Deb 25 November 1941 vol 376 cc601-2
63. Mr. Sloan

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the visit of the Duke of Windsor, Governor of the Bahamas Islands, to the United States of America was undertaken with the consent of His Majesty's Government?

The Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. George Hall)

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Sloan

Is my hon. Friend aware of the bitter comment that is being made in United States newspapers and elsewhere regarding this visit, especially in regard to the ostentatious display of jewellery and finery, at a period when the people of this country are strictly rationed; and, if so, will he make representations to his right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to have this gentleman and his wife recalled, since their visit is doing a certain amount of harm and certainly no good?

Mr. Hall

No, Sir. My Noble Friend's attention has not been called to the matter referred to.

Mr. Palmer

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Press reports which have been referred to are by no means representative of the general welcome given in the United States to the Duke and Duchess?

Mr. Sloan

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that there are literally scores of thousands of these Press cuttings, not filtering into the country but flooding the country? If his Noble Friend is not aware of this, then I am sure that he cannot be paying attention to the Press cuttings.