HC Deb 01 March 1944 vol 397 cc1415-6
32. Mr. Burke

asked the Minister of Information if the Atlantic Charter has been the subject of any broadcasts within this country during the last 12 months and, if so, upon how many occasions; whether any public meetings have been arranged by his Department dealing with the principles of the Charter within the same period; and, if so, how many and in which regions.

Mr. Bracken

There have been no specific broadcasts about the Atlantic Charter in the past year, but references to it have been frequent both in home and overseas transmissions. Likewise, while only a few meetings under M.O.I. auspices have taken the Atlantic Charter as their subject, its principles are naturally used as a text whenever a speaker has occasion to discuss the war aims of the United Nations. The supply of factual information about the war continues to be the purpose of the great majority of meetings held on M.O.I. platforms.

Mr. Burke

In view of the historical importance of this Charter, and its increasing importance as the war goes on, can the Minister arrange to have some broadcasts, particularly to give the Government point of view, and their proposals, if any, in this matter?

Mr. Bracken

The Ministry of Information exists to serve the public, and if we have any large demand to hold meetings on the subject of the Atlantic Charter, we shall certainly fulfil them.

Mr. Rhys Davies

If the Minister is to arrange any meetings for explaining the principles of the Atlantic Charter, will he inform the speakers that the Prime Minister has told us already that the Charter does not apply to India, Burma or Germany?

Mr. Bracken

I should imagine that the purpose of the meeting would be, not to give instruction in geography, but to explain the principles of the Charter.

Sir H. Williams

Having regard to the fact that this raises controversial issues, is it not entirely improper that Government money should be spent on explaining a Charter, the meaning of which nobody actually knows, and, where you do understand it, it is rotten?

Mr. Bracken

That question once again poses the dilemma which often faces the Ministry of Information. One hon. Member desires a discussion on a certain subject, and another hon. Member does not.

Sir H. Williams

I have no desire that the Minister should take part in any political discussion.

Mr. George Griffiths

Not even on Saturday night at a quarter-to-eight?