HC Deb 08 July 1946 vol 425 cc22-3

The following Question stood upon the Order Paper in the name of Mr. SCOLLAN:

47. To ask the Prime Minister if he has considered raising a national memorial to the late President Roosevelt for his friendship towards this country in the late war.

Mr. Scollan

On a point of Order. I should like to point out, Mr. Speaker, that when I originally handed in this Question what it had in it was not what appears here at all. The Question contained these words: "For his friendship to this country during the dark days when we had no other friend in the world."

Mr. H. Morrison

The answer is: "Yes, Sir," but my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister is not yet in a position to make an announcement.

Captain Bullock

Is it not a fact that the Pilgrim Society have already started a national appeal, with the full approval of Mrs. Roosevelt, with the exact object mentioned in the Question?

Mr. Morrison

That is one of the ideas which are under consideration.

Mr. Scollan

Is my right hon. Friend aware that I do not think there is a man in the whole population of this country who does not realise that President Roosevelt was the one man who, against great opposition in his own country, came to our aid when we had no other friend?

Mr. Morrison

I am sure we all respond most strongly to the sentiment which is behind the point raised by my hon. Friend.

Mr. Walkden

May I ask my right hon. Friend to bear in mind, when considering this point, that we wish the recognition to be a nation's thanks on behalf of the whole of the people, and not merely recognition by one or two organisations, however good and kindly they may be?

Mr. Morrison

That point will be kept in mind.