HC Deb 10 November 1943 vol 393 cc1127-8
27. Mr. Driberg

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he can make any statement on the enemy propaganda allegation concerning the bombing of the Vatican City on Friday last?

28. Mr. I. Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will make it clear that no Allied aircraft have dropped bombs on the Vatican City?

29. Wing-Commander Hulbert

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he can make any statement with regard to the enemy propaganda allegation that Allied air forces bombed the Vatican City on 5th November?

Sir A. Sinclair

Hon. Members will no doubt have seen the communiqué issued by Allied Headquarters in Algiers on 7th November which was in the following terms: While it is manifestly impossible to establish beyond doubt the fall of bombs of aircraft participating in night operations, thorough investigation of missions carried out during the night of November 5–6 indicates that crews adhered to their definite instructions and did not bomb Vatican City. I have nothing to add to this statement.

Mr. Driberg

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the B.B.C. and others gave considerable prominence to this Nazi canard early on Saturday morning but that an official denial was not issued until late on Sunday night? Is it not rather unfortunate that Goebbels had the whole week-end to play up this story in the neutral countries, where our friends were handicapped by not having an official denial to quote?

Sir A. Sinclair

It is perfectly easy to push out an official denial promptly if one does not mind how strongly and firmly it is based on facts, but we are particularly careful to examine the facts before issuing a denial. Before this denial was issued the Commanding Officer out there exhaustively examined the facts.

Mr. Thomas

As the right hon. Gentleman's answer suggested that Allied aircraft are allowed to fly over the Vatican City, will he not issue instructions to stop it?

Hon. Members

Why?

Sir A. Sinclair

I cannot understand my hon. Friend's question, in view of the fact that I said that the crews adhered to their definite instructions and did not bomb the Vatican City.

Commander Locker-Lampson

Is it clear that the enemy have bombed the Vatican City?

Sir A. Sinclair

I do not think I can add further to the facts of the case given out by Allied Air Force Headquarters.