HC Deb 11 October 1944 vol 403 cc1723-4
9. Mr. Boothby

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the right hon. Member for the St. George's Division (Mr. Duff Cooper) has now taken up the appointment of His Majesty's Ambassador Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to the French Republic in Paris; and whether General de Gaulle's administration has yet asked for formal recognition as the Provisional Government of France.

Mr. Law

My right hon. Friend the Member for St. George's assumed charge of His Majesty's Embassy at Paris on 13th September. As my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Rochester (Captain Plugge) was informed on 5th July, my right hon. Friend holds the personal rank of Ambassador. He has not yet presented credentials as His Majesty's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary. As regards the last part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to-day to my hon. Friend the Member for Broxtowe (Mr. Cocks).

Mr. Boothby

Is not the reply of my right hon. Friend an indication that the present situation generally is most unsatisfactory, and cannot be allowed to continue as it is? Would it not be better to clear it up by appointing the right hon. Member officially, and recognising the French Government at the earliest opportunity?

Mr. Law

I think my hon. Friend is clearly entitled to make such deductions as he pleases from my reply. I think the reply is clear.

Sir Herbert Williams

Who has been appointed chargé d'affaires for the interests of the people of St. George's?

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