10. Vice-Admiral Taylorasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in view of the fact that the Polish men-of-war which, in cooperation with our Naval Forces, rendered valuable services throughout the war, have now been turned over to the Admiralty and their officers and men disbanded, he will make a statement recognising and thanking the Polish Naval Forces for their services to the Allied cause.
Mr. DugdaleNo, Sir. The gratitude of the British people for the services rendered to the Allied cause, not only by the Polish Navy but by all the Polish Armed Forces, has been gladly acknowledged in the House, by my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary, and also on numerous occasions outside this House. I do not consider that a further statement is called for.
Vice-Admiral TaylorIs not the question of the Polish Naval Forces a special one? Is not the Minister aware of the dissatisfaction and of the disappointment that exist? Are the Admiralty not aware of the circumstances, and are they not willing to record their appreciation of the services rendered by the Polish Forces?
Mr. DugdaleThe hon. and gallant Member will be interested in the fact that no statements thanking other Allied Forces have been made, either on the return of loaned ships or upon the departure of the Forces to their own countries. We do not think an exception should be made.
§ Major Legge-BourkeWill the Minister see that the Trades Union Congress receives a copy of the answer which he gave to the first Question, in view of the very uncomplimentary remarks made at that conference about the Poles?