HC Deb 01 June 1943 vol 390 cc2-3
5. Commander Sir Archibald Southby

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Warfare, for what purpose a Swedish delegation is now visiting this country; and how long it is likely to remain here?

Mr. Foot

This delegation has come to London at the invitation of His Majesty's Government and the United States Government for the purpose of holding discussions with the Ministry of War Transport, the Ministry of Economic Warfare and the Economic Warfare Division of the American Embassy. I am not yet able to say how long these discussions are likely to last.

Sir A. Southby

Does the hon. Gentleman think that any trade discussions can have any tangible results so long as Germany is in virtual control of Sweden?

Mr. Foot

I think these discussions may serve a very useful purpose.

Sir A. Southby

Is it not a fact that any concessions made to us by the Swedish Government will be offset by similar concessions by Sweden to Germany, and can the hon. Gentleman say whether, as an earnest of good faith, the Swedes have stopped the transport of German troops to and from Norway?