§ Major-General Sir Frederick Sykes (by Private Notice)asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the criticism made by Sir Walter Citrine at the Trades Union Congress Conference at Blackpool of His Majesty's Ambassador in Washington and his advisers, and whether he has any statement to make on the subject?
§ Mr. EdenMy attention has been drawn to reports in the Press to this effect. It is, of course, one of His Majesty's Ambassador's duties to report and advise when necessary on any matter in the United States which might in his judgment affect unfavourably Anglo-American relations. In labour matters, Lord Halifax has the benefit of the advice of Professor Tawney. The Government are fully satisfied as to the soundness of the advice which His Majesty's Ambassador gave them.
§ Mr. ShinwellDoes the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that even Professor Tawney, with all his intellectual attainments, is hardly the proper person to decide on matters affecting trade union organisations? Would it not be appropriate to have someone on the spot capable of interpreting the minds of both the British trade union movement and the American trade union movement?
§ Mr. EdenThat is another question. There are other members of the staff of the Ministry with very intimate knowledge, of course, of American labour conditions, such as Mr. Harold Butler.
§ Mr. ShinwellWill the right hon. Gentleman invite Sir Walter Citrine to see him and discuss the matter?
§ Mr. EdenThat, also, is another question. I am dealing with the statement made about His Majesty's Ambassador and his advisers.
Colonel EvansIs it not true that the same advice was tendered to Sir Walter Citrine by Mr. Greene himself on behalf of American labour?
§ Mr. LipsonDoes mention of Professor Tawney's name mean that this action of the Ambassador was on the special recommendation of Professor Tawney?
§ Mr. EdenThe Ambassador was, of course, acting on the advice of those who are specially attached to his staff for these matters.