64. Sir P. Hardasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware of 2263 the hospitality which is being shown by residents on the American seaboard to British sailors who have been engaged in the Battle of the Atlantic; and whether he will convey to the United States authorities a recognition of this evidence of Anglo-American friendship?
Mr. AlexanderI am glad to take this opportunity of thanking our friends in America for the unfailing and generous hospitality extended to the Royal Navy and the Merchant Navy in all parts of the United States, and of welcoming this further indication of the firmness of Anglo-American friendship. My right hon. Friend the Minister of War Transport has asked to be associated with this reply. Since the hospitality to which my hon. Friend and I refer is private hospitality, I feel that it is more appropriate to express our thanks in this form than by communicating with the United States Government.