HC Deb 04 June 1942 vol 380 cc818-9
77. Sir William Davison

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the fact that Laval, on behalf of the Vichy Government, has given permission for German officers and men to train on French warships while at the same time French officers are being removed from their ships; and what action is being taken to prevent such ships, with their German ships' companies, from putting to sea notwithstanding the definite assurances given by Marshal Pétain that no warships would be handed over to Germany?

The Under - Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Richard Law)

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Moseley (Sir P. Hannon) on 3rd June, to which I have nothing to add.

Sir W. Davison

Have the Government taken any steps to check the statement made in this Question, which is very widely believed to be accurate and is entirely in accordance with Laval's policy of helping the Germans without giving away Marshal Pétain's assurance?

Mr. Law

Yes, Sir. The Government take such steps as are open to them to check all these things.