§ 50. Professor Savoryasked the Prime Minister whether, as the residence in Dublin of Axis representatives is inconsistent with Eire membership of the British Commonwealth of Nations and in view of the refusal of Eire to remove these representatives, His Majesty's Government proposes to discontinue the supply to Eire of coal, petrol, tea and other commodities.
§ The Prime MinisterI do not wish to add to-day to the statement which I made in the House yesterday.
§ Professor SavoryMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman to try to realise the indignation of British seamen in being compelled to take these goods to Eire at the risk of their own lives, in view of the fact that Eire, by her refusal to place her ports at the disposal of this country, is responsible for the loss of thousands of lives of their comrades?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not wish to add to what I said yesterday, and I do not feel that indignation is necessarily the most helpful element.
51. Mr. Dermot Campbellasked the Prime Minister if His Majesty's Government has any evidence that, as suggested in the note delivered recently to Mr. De Valera by the U.S. Minister in Dublin, which was supported by His Majesty's Government, Axis diplomatic and Consular agents have been exploiting their position in Eire.
§ The Prime MinisterIt would not be in the public interest to discuss what information His Majesty's Government have regarding the activities of Axis agents in Southern Ireland.
Mr. CampbellMay I ask the Prime Minister in the event of the answer being "Yes," to consider the provision of further personnel for the travel censorship at the ports from which ships sail to Ireland, so that the censorship might become effective and cease to be merely an intensely irritating formality?
§ The Prime MinisterIt seems to be rather difficult to discuss a question of this kind in the absence of the information for which my hon. Friend asked and which I was unable to impart.
§ Professor SavoryIn view of the immense difficulty of discussing these matters by questions and answers in the House, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this whole question on the Motion for the Adjournment.