HC Deb 24 May 1944 vol 400 cc718-9
9. Mr. Edgar Granville

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has any statement to make upon the new status of the French Committee of National Liberation.

Mr. Eden

I am aware that the Consultative Assembly at Algiers passed a resolution on 15th May that the French Committee of National Liberation should henceforth be known as the Provisional Government of the Republic, and I understand that the French Committee subsequently decided to give effect to this resolution. So far as I am aware, however, no action has yet been taken.

Mr. Granville

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that the gallantry of the French troops has at last earned the recognition that they believe to be their due? Would he send a copy of Low's cartoon in yesterday's "Evening Standard" to the State Department at Washington; and will he take a look at it himself at the same time?

Mr. Eden

As I have said, I understand that the French Committee subsequently decided to give effect to this resolution. As far as I am aware, no action has yet been taken by them. As regards our position on the general problem, perhaps the hon. Member will await the Prime Minister's statement later to-day.

Mr. Cocks

Is not the Committee worthy of being recognised?

Mr. Eden

We made a certain recognition of the French National Committee as such last year, and I made a further statement a fortnight ago. For the rest, I must ask the hon. Member to await the statement of the Prime Minister.