HC Deb 04 June 1942 vol 380 cc805-6
48. Wing-Commander James

asked the Prime Minister whether the principles enunciated in the Atlantic Charter remain the basis of the Government's foreign policy in respect of war aims and intentions; and whether he will give an assurance that there will be no departure from these principles without the prior assent of Parliament?

Mr. Attlee

Yes, Sir. The Atlantic Charter remains the basis of His Majesty's Government's policy. I feel bound to add, however, that it would not be possible for His Majesty's Government to depart from the established practice by binding themselves to seek prior Parliamentary sanction in all cases for their acts.

Sir H. Williams

As every paragraph of the Atlantic Charter is susceptible to three separate interpretations, can we be told which of them is the policy of His Majesty's Government?