§ 45. Commander Sir Archibald Southbyasked the Prime Minister whether he is now in a position to make a further state-men regarding the award of the Star commemorating the period in time 1939 to 1943; and whether the amended regulations will permit of its award to the H.G., in view of the services rendered by that Force during those years.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Churchill)The answer to the first part of the question is "No, Sir, not yet," and to the second part, "No, Sir."
§ Sir A. SouthbyBefore coming to any final decision, would my right hon. Friend bear in mind the strong feeling that exists 27 among men in the Services who, through no fault of their own, had to remain behind in order to train those who went overseas, that they should have something to show for the important work they did during 1939–43?
§ The Prime MinisterAs I have said, if you widen the existing distribution of the 1939–43 Star you may easily bring in 8,000,000 or 9,000,000 more people, and that would greatly affect the value of the award to those who have gained it. There will be a British war medal which will be given over the whole area, but I cannot attempt to make any pledge in the matter. The question of the issue of this widely distributed medal will be one we can take up when the war is over.
Mr. AstorIs the Prime Minister aware that over a year ago an Admiralty Fleet Order was put out defining which naval officers were eligible for the African Star, and that a subsequent Order said that no ribbons were to be issued? While the Army have had the African Star for over a year no naval officers have been able to wear it yet, and this has caused considerable dissatisfaction.
§ The Prime MinisterI am very well aware, but up to the present nobody has worn the two ribbons.
Mr. AstorI am afraid I did not make myself clear. These naval officers eligible for the African Star but not for the other medal are not allowed to wear the African Star at all.
§ The Prime MinisterOnly a small class is at present eligible—those who actually fought on shore. But if there are cases of those who have not received the African Star I should be glad to be informed.
§ Sir A. SouthbyI am sorry to seem so persistent, but since the 1939–43 Star commemorates a period in time, does not my right hon. Friend consider that, in justice, all who served during that period should wear the ribbon?
§ The Prime MinisterIf you went on like that you would give the ribbon to everybody in the country. All did pretty well.