HC Deb 17 January 1945 vol 407 cc142-3
20. Mr. Lipson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if arms and equipment are being supplied to the Greek Army by His Majesty's Government, and if he will give an assurance that no more arms and equipment will henceforth be sent for the Greek Army till the requirements of the French Army have been fully met.

Mr. Eden

Certain decisions have already been taken for the supply of arms and equipment to the Greek national forces, but the fulfilment of this commitment will not interfere with the supply of arms and equipment to the French army.

Mr. Lipson

May I ask my right hon. Friend if that means that priority will be given to the supply of arms and equipment to the French Army? Does he not agree that, for the purpose of the war against Germany, arms and equipment supplied to the French Army are likely to be of more use?

Mr. Eden

That is if both commitments can be fulfilled.

Mr. Shinwell

Is it not better that we should use British troops and British arms to win the war against Germany, rather than against Left-Wing forces in Greece?

Mr. Eden

I thought the hon. Gentleman shared with me the pleasure that there was a truce in Greece.

Mr. Gallacher

Is it not the case that the War Cabinet in this country had its attention concentrated on Greece, when Rundstedt was making his offensive in the West?