HC Deb 10 February 1943 vol 386 cc1308-9
40. Mr. Shinwell

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether there is any arrangement between His Majesty's Government and the Government of the United States of America with regard to public statements on the number of Allied vessels sunk by the enemy and the estimate of enemy submarines?

Mr. Alexander

The Prime Minister intends to deal with the U-boat position in the course of the statement which he will be making shortly on the war situation. I shall be glad if my hon. Friend will await that statement, and if he is not then satisfied it will be open to him to put a further Question.

Mr. Shinwell

I appreciate that, but I am not so much concerned about the actual merits of the case. What I want to know is why are these differential statements made? Why is it that in the American Press we can read about losses and all matters relating to the U-boat campaign and yet we cannot get the information here? Is there any unified effort to provide information?

Mr. Alexander

We are in touch with the American authorities, but I cannot say that in every case statements published in this country have been official.

Mr. Shinwell

Would it be possible to enter into some arrangement—it may be difficult, I agree—with the United States Government Navy Department, so that statements are of a uniform character, in order to avoid confusion?

The Prime Minister (Mr. Churchill)

I like to confuse the enemy.

Mr. Shinwell

In view of the Prime Minister's reply, may I ask—

Mr. Speaker

rose—