HC Deb 02 June 1942 vol 380 cc518-9
45. Mr. Craik Henderson

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give time for a discussion on the Motion standing on the Order Paper in the name of the hon. Member for North-East Leeds relating to our appreciation of the financial assistance to the war effort received from the United States of America, the Dominion of Canada and other Dominions?

[That this House desires to place on record its high appreciation of the generous financial assistance which this country has received from the United States of America and from Canada, and its indebtedness to those of our Dominions which have rendered help and assistance in so many ways.]

The Lord Privy Seal (Sir Stafford Cripps)

The nation's high appreciation of the generous financial assistance received from the United States of America and Canada and our gratitude for the help so freely given us in countless ways by the Dominions as a whole are not, I think, in any doubt, and my right hon." Friend the Prime Minister has endeavoured to voice it on various occasions on behalf of the country and of this House. In the circumstances, no formal reaffirmation of our gratitude is, in my judgment, required at this stage.

Sir Stanley Reed

May I ask the right hon. and learned Gentleman whether he does not consider that during the Budget Debate totally inadequate appreciation was expressed of the magnificence of those contributions, when the easing in our financial position is almost entirely due to the assistance from America and Canada?

Mr. Davidson

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman guarantee that our appreciation will not lead us into any unwise treaties at the end of this war?

Sir J. Lamb

Is it not a fact that reciprocation has been the best answer that could possibly be given, and that it has been freely given?