HC Deb 13 December 1944 vol 406 cc1223-4
49. Sir O. Simmonds

asked the Prime Minister if his attention has been called to a recent speech by Viscount Halifax, in Chicago, which must have the effect of undermining any export effort we may make in Latin-America; and whether this statement represents the policy of His Majesty's Government.

Mr. Eden

I have seen the text of Lord Halifax's speech. The remarks to which my hon. Friend refers have been taken out of their context. They did not constitute a statement of fact or policy, but were an illustration of the type of charge and counter-charge between British and American exporters which it is our task to remove.

Sir O. Simmonds

Is it not a fact that the effect of those words has been seriously to discourage our efforts in Latin America and to give the United States representatives an opening to which the facts do not entitle them?

Mr. Eden

If my hon. Friend would read the whole of the text of this speech I do not think he could possibly come to that conclusion. What Lord Halifax did was to put the arguments on the American side and the criticisms on our side; he was merely stating the problem and not stating policy.

Sir Patrick Hannon

Will my right hon. Friend make a full text of the speech available?

Mr. Eden

I will gladly lay a full copy in the Library and if I have them I will send copies to my hon. Friends who have asked questions.