HC Deb 14 March 1945 vol 409 cc218-9
34. Captain Gammans

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, in view of the harm done to our relations with the U.S.A. by propaganada to the effect that that British Navy has only been allocated a minor role in Pacific operations and that British ships are inferior to the American Navy in speed and equipment, what steps he is taking to inform the American public of the facts of our naval efforts in these operations.

The First Lord of the Admiralty (Mr. A. V. Alexander)

The operations of the British Pacific Fleet will be covered by British, Dominion and American Press correspondents as well as nine cameramen and still photographers. The task of keeping the American public informed rests with the British Information Service in America for which my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Information is responsible. The Admiralty have arranged to give all possible assistance to the British Information Service.

Captain Gammans

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that the British Information Service cannot operate unless they are given information from his Department; and does he not agree that these discreditable rumours would never have -arisen, if adequate publicity had been given to the magnificent work of the British Navy?

Mr. Alexander

I do not agree with that at all. Many of the rumours which have been spread have been denied quite instantaneously and on the spot, by Admiral Fraser and others and by publicity in the Press.

Mr. Shinwell

Will the First Lord of the Admiralty make a categorical statement that the British Navy is not to play a minor role in the Pacific?

Mr. Alexander

It has been made quite plain by Admiral Fraser and Admiral Nimitz and I do not propose to add anything to that.

Mr. Driberģ

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the British Information Service in America has been handicapped very much by shortage of staff, and, in view of the great increase in its labours which the extension of the war in the Pacific will involve, will he consult with the Minister of Information to see whether that staff can be increased?

Mr. Alexander

I am in the closest contact in the matter and the Admiralty are making their own arrangements with the Ministry of Information, and any increase in staff of the British Information Service should be taken up with the Minister.