HC Deb 31 January 1945 vol 407 cc1424-5
3. Sir W. Wakefield

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that in spite of statements made by the Prime Minister and others to the contrary, there is a widespread belief in the U.S.A. that as soon as hostilities cease in Europe Britain will leave the U.S.A. to fight out the Japanese war; and what further steps is he contemplating to remove this mistrust of British intention to continue fighting with all her power side by side with the U.S.A. until Japan is completely defeated.

Mr. Law

The determination of the British people to fight out the Japanese war to the end at the side of their American Allies has been made abundantly clear both in statements by the Prime Minister and other Ministers. Powerful United Kingdom forces are already engaged against the Japanese. These forces will be increased when the war in Europe comes to an end, and I cannot agree with my hon. Friend that there is a widespread belief to the contrary in the United States.

Sir W. Wakefield

Is my right hon. Friend aware that American visitors coming over to this country have, from time to time, said that there is still a widespread lack of information about this matter in the United States of America; and is he aware that anything further, in addition to this statement, which can be done to let the citizens of the United States know of our determination to fight the Japanese war to the end, will be very helpful?

Viscountess Astor

Is it not true that this is just isolationist propaganda and that all people who want to know realise that Great Britain is determined to fight the Japanese to the end, as it is just as important to Great Britain as it is to the United States of America?

Mr. Law

Yes, Sir, I agree with my Noble Friend. With regard to my hon. Friend's supplementary question, it is certainly most important that the people of the United States should understand that we are in both wars right to the end. As I have said, I believe that there is far more understanding on that point in the United States now than there has been in the past and I am quite sure that the fighting we are doing against the Japanese is every day making the position more and more clear.

Mr. Petherick

Could not the American Government itself help in that direction?