§ 25. Mr. Toucheasked the Minister of Information whether he is still expecting the arrival of a delegation of Swiss journalists as guests of His Majesty's Government; and, if not, why this visit has been cancelled?
§ Mr. BrackenNo, Sir. This visit has been cancelled. At the last moment it was learned that the Vichy authorities, acting no doubt on pressure from Germany, had withdrawn their visas. The party included some journalists who had visited Germany recently and I can only conclude that, in the eyes of Dr. Goebbels, a visit to England would have yielded material for comparison that would have been anything but welcome in Germany. We greatly regret losing this opportunity of welcoming to this country these distinguished journalists from one of the oldest democracies.
§ Mr. SorensenAre steps being taken to contact the Swiss Government with a view to these journalists coming here subsequently?
§ Mr. Brackenindicated assent.