HC Deb 15 March 1948 vol 448 c1684
18. Mr. Bramall

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give an assurance that co-operation between Britain and France on Colonial questions will not involve support for the suppression of national independence movements in Indo-China and Madagascar.

Mr. Mayhew

I cannot accept the criticism of our French allies implied in the Question; but I can assure my hon. Friend that co-operation in colonial matters has been confined to the economic and social fields.

Mr. Bramall

Will my hon. Friend assure us that he will not give support to any Colonial policy less enlightened than that which we ourselves have pursued with regard to India, Burma and Ceylon.

Mr. Piratin

Would the Minister say in this connection that while there is no agreement with France with regard to oppression in the French Colonies, there is at the same time no continuation of the persecution going on in the Gold Coast?

Mr. Mayhew

I cannot accept the implications of that, and I would like notice of the question.