HC Deb 30 March 1944 vol 398 cc1551-2
45. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Prime Minister whether, in the further clarification of the Atlantic Charter in discussions with the President of the U.S.A., he will press for the reaffirmation in the interest of a more enduring peace, that the guid- ing principle respecting the future transference or resettlement of peoples will not be military conquest or aggression, but moral right and democratic choice and for a more specific declaration as to how postwar economic reconstruction is to be implemented to the benefit of the peoples of all nations.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Churchill)

I have at present nothing to add to the reply I gave on 22nd March to the hon. Member for Cheltenham (Mr. Lipson).

Mr. Sorensen

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that considerable disquiet still exists regarding what is felt to be the modification of the excellent principles embodied in the Atlantic Charter; and will he not take an early opportunity of removing that impression, so that faith may be restored in its principles?

The Prime Minister

I am always thinking about it, but there are others to be considered as well as His Majesty's Government.

Mr. Sorensen

Does that mean that they may be modified to suit other people?

The Prime Minister

I do not want to say much about it at the present time; I think it might lead us into more difficulties. As I have said, the Atlantic Charter and its principles remain our dominant aim and purpose.

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