HC Deb 03 November 1943 vol 393 c643
22. Mr. Rhys Davies

asked the Minister of Information whether the B.B.C., before it decided to urge civilians in enemy-occupied countries to commit acts of sabotage, consulted international conventions on the subject?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Information (Mr. Thurtle)

I am not clear what the hon. Member has in mind as I know of no international Convention relating to the subject.

Mr. Davies

Does the hon. Gentleman think it is fair to ask civilians without any means of defence in any of the occupied countries to take the risk of losing their lives in committing acts of sabotage?

Mr. Thurtle

The hon. Member asks us to refer to a particular Convention. We cannot refer to a non-existent Convention, and if he will indicate what Convention he has in mind, we will consider the matter further.

Mr. Lawson

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the citizens of this country wish these civilians success in all their acts of sabotage?