§ 48. Mr. Rhys Daviesasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the naval sub-committee of the House of Representatives, at Washington, recently decided to recommend that immediate steps be taken to acquire permanent possession of the bases in the Western Hemisphere leased to the U.S.A. by Great Britain; and if he will give an assurance that such a demand from the Government of that country will not be entertained by His Majesty's Government before Parliament is consulted.
49. Mr. Creech Jonesasked the Prime Minister if his attention has been drawn to the recommendation of a committee of the United State House of Representatives for the permanent possession of the bases leased from Britain; and whether he will give an assurance that the policy of His Majesty's Government remains unaffected in this matter.
§ The Prime MinisterI am aware that there has been a Press report to this effect. The House may rest assured that there have been no developments calling for a review by the Government or the House of the existing position in this matter, which remains unchanged.
§ Mr. DaviesWill the Prime Minister be good enough to answer the latter part of my Question? If a request of the kind mentioned comes from Washington officially, will the House of Commons be entitled to debate the subject before His Majesty's Government accede to such an arrangement; and will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind his promise that he will not preside over the liquidation of the British Empire?
§ The Prime MinisterI welcome all the aid I can receive from so valiant a supporter.
§ Mr. G. StraussAs the provisions of the Atlantic Charter provide that there should be no annexation without the con- 769 sent of the population, do not the same provisions apply to British Dominion territories as well?
§ The Prime MinisterThere is not the slightest question of any cession of British territory—not the slightest.