HC Deb 06 June 1944 vol 400 cc1190-1
27 and 28. Sir Richard Acland

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) which of the principal members of A.M.G.O.T. were selected partly, or wholly, by reason of the fact that some public act of theirs demonstrated their opposition to Fascism before September, 1939;

(2) which of the principal members of the new department, G.I., were selected partly or wholly by reason of the fact that some public act of their demonstrated their opposition to Fascism before September, 1939.

Sir J. Grigg

I assume that the hon. Baronet is referring to the British officers employed on the joint Anglo-American Civil Affairs staffs. No political tests enter into these or any other Army appointments.

Sir R. Acland

Can I assume from that that it would be impossible to know of high-ranking personnel who have shown opposition to Nazism before the outbreak of war?

Sir J. Grigg

The hon. Member can assume exactly what is said by my Answer.

Mr. Gallacher

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a well-known lady, who has two sons in A.M.G.O.T. has a villa outside the Vatican City, and that we are told in the Press that she expects to return there shortly? Are we to take it that that is what A.M.G.O.T. is for, and that that is what the lads are fighting for.? [Interruption.] But it is true. Lady Rennell of Rodd has two sons in A.M.G.O.T., and it is said that she expects soon to return to the Vatican City.

Captain Alan Graham

Has not political activity in any direction been a positive disqualification?

Mr. Silverman

Are we to take it from the answer that the question of pro-Fascist or pro-Nazi sympathies is a matter in which the War Office would not be interested?

Mr. Speaker

That is a hypothetical case.

Mr. Silverman

On a point of Order. The right hon. Gentleman did say in his original answer that political tests were not matters with which the War Office should deal.

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member asked a particular question.

Mr. Silverman

On a point of Order. It will not have escaped your attention, Sir, that the particular political test referred to in my supplementary question is contained in the original Question on the Order Paper.

Mr. Speaker

That does not affectthe matter very much.

Mr. Silverman

It does not make my question hypothetical.