§ The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Ernest Bevin)I am sure the House will learn with regret of the passing of our good colleague during the war, Jan Masaryk. His illustrious father was known to many of us, and the building of that famous democracy in Czechoslovakia was a great tribute to his work and character. His son came among us very early and lived among us during the dark days when that freedom was taken away by Hitler. It was a proud moment for him and his colleagues to return to Czechoslovakia. Recent events have clouded much that has happened, and we do not know clearly what has occurred, except that he has passed. But his name, and that of his father, will always live in the affectionate memory of the British people.
§ Mr. ChurchillI should like to associate my hon. Friends on this side of the House with the expressions that have been used about Jan Masaryk by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. Like him, we knew Masaryk over here during the dark years of the war, and very often my right hon. Friend and I saw him and were able to appreciate the working of that competent mind and resolute, unflinching soul. We mourn his loss—it is a heavy loss—but one cannot help rejoicing, as the right hon. Gentleman has done, that the famous name he bore will continue to be an inspiration to the peoples of Czechoslovakia.