HC Deb 28 November 1944 vol 404 cc2373-4
11. Sir William Davison

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he will assure the House that Mr. de Valera will have no repre- sentation at any peace conference which may be held or any discussions regarding the terms of armistice.

The Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs (Mr. Emrys-Evans)

Yes, Sir. It has already been made clear that, so far as His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom are concerned, they see no reason why any Government which has not made a positive contribution as a Government to the United Nations' war effort, should be represented at the Peace Conference. The same would, of course, apply to any armistice discussions.

Sir W. Davison

Cannot my hon. Friend say definitely that a man who has said he could not give an assurance not to harbour war criminals, and allows a German paper to be published in Dublin, would not be acceptable to attend the Peace Conference, or any discussions in connection therewith?

Professor Savory

Is my hon. Friend not aware that Mr. de Valera won the general election in Eire on the ground that he was the best man to represent Eire at the Peace Conference?