§ 41. Squadron-Leader Donnerasked the Prime Minister whether he will give an assurance that, in the forthcoming discussions with the Government of the United States of America for the promotion of mutually advantageous economic relations, His Majesty's Government will not disregard Article 4 of the Atlantic Charter, which refers to existing obligations?
§ Mr. AttleeYes, Sir.
§ Squadron-Leader DonnerWhy did my right hon. Friend refer to the elimination of Imperial preference?
§ Mr. AttleeIf my hon. and gallant Friend will read the statement, he will see exactly how far it went.
§ 42. Squadron-Leader Donnerasked the Prime Minister whether he will give an assurance that, in the forthcoming negotiations with the Government of the United States of America, the Imperial Preference arrangements now in force will not be eliminated or substantially reduced without the previous consent of this House?
§ Mr. AttleeYes, Sir. The legislation relating to Imperial Preference cannot in any event be altered except by further legislation.
§ Earl WintertonIs it not a fact that, in view of the status of the Dominions under the Statute of Westminster, these arrangements cannot be altered without the assent of the Dominions concerned, since the arrangements have the status of a treaty?
§ Mr. AttleeThe Noble Lord is perfectly right.
§ Sir H. WilliamsIs it not a fact that this agreement is not a treaty at all?
§ Mr. StephenDoes the right hon. Gentleman not realise that what he is saying now means that the Atlantic Charter is without meaning?
§ Mr. AttleeThe hon. Member is entirely wrong. The Atlantic Charter lays down certain principles. The following-out of those principles has to be worked out between the Powers concerned. There is absolutely nothing in the statement I have made which runs contrary to that.
§ Sir Percy HarrisAre the Dominions not just as anxious as we are to have friendly economic relations in future with the United States? Cannot the post-war Government be free to consider all economic questions on their merits, without prejudice?
§ Mr. AttleeThe right hon. Gentleman is perfectly right.