§ 46. Mr. Hyndasked the Prime Minister whether any official cognisance is being taken of the contribution being made to the allied victories in Italy by the Italian partisan troops and workers as revealed in the communiques of General Alexander; and whether the Government has any announcement to make in acknowledgment of the heroism and sacrifice of these Italian Allies.
§ Mr. AttleeYes, Sir, His Majesty's Government are well aware of the appreciable aid rendered to the operations of the Allied Armies by the patriots in the parts of Italy still occupied by the enemy. They are also aware of the impediments placed by patriotic Italian workers in the way of German exploitation of Italian war industry.
§ Mr. HyndIn view of the wide extent of these activities—and I understand that there are 300,000 of these patriots now fighting—will the right hon. Gentleman inform us whether it is the case that any suggestions have been made to the Press in this country that reports of their activities should be damped down?
§ Mr. AttleeI am afraid that is hardly a question for me. Perhaps my hon. Friend will put it to the appropriate Minister.