§ Mr. Arthur GreenwoodMay I ask the Leader of the House whether he has any further statement to make about the course of Business in the next series of Sittings?
§ The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Eden)Yes, Sir. The House will remember that I undertook yesterday that we would reconsider the request for a Debate on the war situation in view of the representations which have been made to us. I have had an opportunity of re-examining the position in consultation with my colleagues, and I must tell the House that the Government have not changed their view. The matter was carefully considered by the War Cabinet yesterday evening, and we considered, unanimously and very definitely, that it would not be in the best interests of the Allied cause that the war situation should be debated at this stage. Of course, should there be, as there may be, some marked change in the situation—and week-ends do sometimes produce changes in the situation in Europe —we would reconsider our attitude.
§ Sir Percy HarrisWill the Leader of the House make it clear that, if there is any important fresh development during the Recess, he will not hesitate to call the House together, even if it is within a few days of our Adjournment?
§ Mr. EdenYes, Sir, that will certainly be so. I think the House can be quite confident that the Government's desire would be, or course, to carry the House along at every stage of this business, and if there are important developments, we shall not hesitate to ask the House to come back from its holiday.
§ Mr. Ivor ThomasIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Members who have asked for this Debate do not desire to discuss the war situation? It is 1930 wished to discuss certain political aspects of the military situation.
§ Mr. EdenI am aware that what I was asked yesterday was for a Debate on the political situation in relation to the war, and it was that which the War Cabinet considered yesterday and which, we are bound to say, we do think undesirable at this particular moment.
§ Mr. John DugdaleWill the right hon. Gentleman guarantee that the Government will not recognise any new Government in Italy without consulting this House?
§ Mr. EdenAll the constitutional practices will be observed. Whatever decision the Government ever take, it is for the House to ratify or to refuse to ratify. I cannot go beyond that; no Government ever could.
§ Sir Herbert WilliamsI take it from the Leader of the House, that if the order to surrender or cease fire should come from General Badoglio, he would not refuse it merely because the House had not met?
§ Commander Sir Archibald SouthbyMay I ask the Leader of the House whether his attention has been called to statements appearing in the Press to the effect that certain offers of conditions of surrender have been made to the Italian Government; and will he bear in mind that the majority of public opinion backs the Government when they say that it must be unconditional surrender and that means with no conditions at all?
§ Mr. EdenI do not know whether it is right to discuss this now, but, as my hon. and gallant Friend has mentioned it, I should like to state that the Government's decision is precisely as defined by the Prime Minister in his statement to the House.
§ Mr. Ivor ThomasIs it not within the power of the Government to prevent any news of this Debate from getting abroad if they wish to do so? Therefore it will only be for domestic consumption, if desired, and what objection can there be?
§ Mr. EdenThey have never done anything of the kind, and I do not think that I would ever be willing to subscribe to such a course.
§ Mr. MackCan the right hon. Gentleman enlighten us as to whether the statements of military commanders, such as that which General Eisenhower has made, and the terms that have been offered have the accord and support of members of His Majesty's Government?
§ Mr. EdenNo terms whatever have been offered—no terms at all. If my hon. Friend is referring to General Eisenhower's statement which appeared in the Press, Yes, that has the approval of our. Government.