§ 46. Mr. Lipsonasked the Prime Minister if, in view of the doubts which exist as to what territories the principles of the Atlantic Charter are to apply, he will make a clarifying statement.
§ The Prime MinisterIt is evident that, as the changing phases of the war succeed one another, some further clarification will be required of the position under the document which has become honourably known as the Atlantic Charter, and that this must be a subject for renewed consultation between the principal Allies. I am not prepared to embark upon this subject at Question Time to-day further than to state that the Atlantic Charter stands as a declaration of the spirit and purpose in which its signatories are waging this war—not without success—and that it implies no pact or bargain with our enemies.
§ Mr. LipsonWhile thanking my right hon. Friend for his reply, may we take it that it means that the support of His Majesty's Government for the principles of the Atlantic Charter remains as strong to-day as when the Charter was first framed?
§ The Prime MinisterI said that I was not prepared to embark upon this subject at Question Time further than to make the particular statement I have made, and it implies no contradiction of my hon. Friend's question that I do not wish to add to what I have said.
§ Mr. ManderWill my right hon. Friend make it perfectly clear that we shall not have to go down on our knees and ask German consent when alteration of her pre-war boundaries is considered?
§ Mr. SpeakerI do not think we can pursue this matter further.