HC Deb 14 July 1943 vol 391 cc170-1
8. Mr. Martin

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether recognition of the French Committee of National Liberation by His Majesty's Government has now taken place; and whether the services of the Government are always available to the Committee for the purpose of avoiding the development of friction amongst Frenchmen allied to the United Nations and securing recognition by all our Allies of this Committee?

Mr. Eden

I would refer my hon. Friend to the Prime Minister's statements in the House of 8th June and 1st July in which he welcomed the establishment of the French Committee of National Liberation as the single and sole authority over all Frenchmen seeking to free France from the German yoke and said that our dealings, financial and otherwise, would henceforward be with this Committee as a whole. In practice, His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom are now treating with this Committee on all matters of common concern relating to French territories which acknowledge its authority and affecting French forces maintained in British territory. No decision has yet been taken as to the precise degree of formal recognition which His Majesty's Government may accord to the Committee. In regard to the second part of the Question, His Majesty's Government have consistently encouraged the union of all Frenchmen in the fight against the Axis and for the liberation of France, and their services are always available to the Committee for this purpose.

Mr. Martin

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that reply, may I ask whether His Majesty's Government look with sympathy and good will on this Committee, and, if so, will they speed up recognition as much as they can; and, further, have these conversations with M. Massigli on this subject been fruitful and useful?

Mr. Eden

As regards the first part of the question, I can say that certainly His Majesty's Government look with sympathy and good will on this Committee and would like to see its authority steadily grow and become stronger. As regards the conversations with M. Massigli, I have been glad to welcome this tried friend of Anglo-French understanding to this country. Our conversations have been mainly concerned up to date with French affairs in this country and certain problems in Syria.