HC Deb 04 July 1949 vol 466 c1776
46. Mr. H. Hynd

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what assistance France has given in the Berlin air lift.

Mr. McNeil

The French Occupation Authorities control the unloading operations at Tegel airport, one of the three Berlin terminals of the air lift, and their assistance there has been of great value. No aircraft engaged in the air lift are based in the French zone which is geographically remote from the three air corridors leading in and out of Berlin. French aircraft have not participated in the operation because, I understand, they have had no suitable aircraft available.

Mr. Hynd

Have any representations been made to France to lend one or two machines of Air France, as we have lent machines from our civil airlines?

Mr. McNeil

I can only repeat that no suitable craft have been available. It does not necessarily follow that the machines of Air France would have fulfilled the qualifications required.

Mr. Platts-Mills

Is it not also a fact that France has declined to permit any of her food or other commodities to go on this Berlin expedition?

Mr. McNeil

That is a quite unjustifiable assumption and is not connected with this Question.

Mr. Platts-Mills

Can my right hon. Friend tell us the answer to my question?

Back to