HC Deb 17 February 1943 vol 386 c1730
46. Mr. Stokes

asked the Prime Minister whether Mr. Stalin has approved the declaration of "unconditional surrender" made at Casablanca?

Mr. Attlee

I do not know whether Premier Stalin has specifically communicated to President Roosevelt his approval of the reference made by the President at a Press conference at Casablanca to the unconditional surrender of our enemies. I can hardly believe that anyone doubts Premier Stalin's attitude on the subject.

Mr. Stokes

Will my right hon. Friend give some attention to a letter written by Mr. Yanovsky from Moscow, published in the "Manchester Guardian" on 6th February and clearly inspired by Stalin—[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh!"]—clearly inspired by Stalin, in which he emphasised the importance of the United Nations statesmen at this moment dispelling the fear of total destruction from the minds of the Germans?

Mr. Attlee

That appears to be another question.

Mr. Stokes

Further to that, is my right hon. Friend aware that a similar declaration of unconditional surrender made by Lord Milner in the South African war resulted in lengthening that war by two years and had to be withdrawn by Lord Kitchener?