§ 27. Professor Savoryasked the Minister of Information whether he is aware that large numbers of printed copies of von Ribbentrop's speech, of 26th November, 1941, have been circulated through the post to various organisations and other addresses in Eire; and whether he has circulated in Eire a contradiction of the mendacious statements about Great Britain made in this speech?
§ Mr. BrackenThe answer to the first part of the Question is "Yes, Sir," and to the second part "No, Sir." This flyblown speech of Ribbentrop's prophesies the conquest of Russia, the ruin of Britain and the maintenance of American neutrality. This trash is worthy of its fizzy author and the more it is circulated the better for Britain.
§ Professor SavoryMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman why he has not circulated a reply, in view of the fact that large numbers of copies have been sent to the Civil Service through Eire; and may I ask him if he will receive this copy which was delivered to an Eire civil servant who is loyal to his Sovereign and who has forwarded it to me?
§ Mr. BrackenI must ask my hon. Friend to read my answer. I consider that this von Ribbentrop speech prophesying American neutrality in this war and the immediate ruin of England to be such rubbish that it is very useful propaganda, and I should be very grateful to Herr von Ribbentrop if he circulated this sort of rubbish, not only in Ireland, but in many other parts of the world where he has money to spend.
§ Commander Locker-LampsonIs there any truth in the statement that Signor Mussolini is now in the South of Ireland?