§ The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Eden)On 23rd June I undertook to make a statement on the results of the Food Conference recently held at Hot Springs. His Majesty's Government have now had an opportunity to consider the work which the Conference achieved, and I should like to congratulate the United States Government, which convened the Conference, on the successful outcome of this first experiment in comprehensive international discussion of post-war matters. His Majesty's Government have been greatly impressed by the fact that, in the midst of a war, representatives of more than 40 like-minded nations could meet together and achieve general agreement on so many fundamental principles. His Majesty's Government recognise that the resolutions were drawn up in the light of the widely-differing physical, political and economic conditions of the various countries represented, and that the application of the resolutions passed by the Conference will depend on these differences. For their part His Majesty's Government have no hesitation in accepting the resolutions and the obligation to give effect to them in so far as they apply to conditions in the United Kingdom. They will also gladly co-operate with other Governments in seeking ways to give effect to those resolutions which call for concerted action. They will commend the resolutions to the Governments of His Majesty's Colonies, Dependencies and Overseas Territories.
The main object of the Conference was to ensure as far as possible freedom from want of food. The House will have noticed that the third resolution recommends that Governments should immediately begin the task of increasing food resources and improving the diets of their peoples in accordance with the principles and objectives outlined in the findings of the Conference. His Majesty's Government intend, despite the inevitable difficulties which the war entails, to press on with this aim. At the same time, it is clear that freedom from want of food depends largely on matters outside the scope of purely agricultural or nutritional policy. This was fully recognised by the Conference, which took account of the broad questions of inter- 1945 national security and economic expansion which are the necessary background of sustained progress towards freedom from want and a higher standard of living.
Resolution II provides for the establishment of an Interim Commission to carry on the work of the Conference and to prepare a plan for a permanent organisation in the field of food and agriculture. His Majesty's Government intend to participate fully in the work of this Corn-mission and are arranging to appoint a representative. They note with satisfaction that one of the tasks of this Commission will be to draw up a formal declaration or agreement for the consideration of Governments; in this instrument the Governments would recognise their obligation towards their respective peoples and to one another to collaborate in raising levels of nutrition and standards of living for their peoples, and to report to one another on progress made.
Finally, there is the question of production which bears closely on the relief of peoples living in the countries now occupied by the enemy. The Conference was not concerned with the organisation of Relief supplies, but the House will note that due attention was paid to the necessity of increasing supplies of basic foodstuffs, in the period when territories liberated from the enemy will be in need of help from outside. His Majesty's Government are much impressed by the urgency and importance of this problem, and are determined to do all they can for their part to give effect to the resolutions of the Conference on this subject. They earnestly hope that other Governments will do likewise.
Mr. Graham WhiteMay I ask my right hon. Friend whether he has it in mind to issue a White Paper or further information on this matter?
§ Mr. EdenA White Paper has been issued concerning the final act of the Conference, a copy of which I have here. We will consider whether any further document might usefully be published.