§ 45. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Prime Minister what proposals he has to appoint an official historian to write the history of the armed conflict with Egypt.
§ The Prime Minister (Sir Anthony Eden)No provision has been made for the publication of any official military histories of events subsequent to the second world war, and I see no reason for making any.
§ Mr. Emrys HughesIs the Prime Minister aware how delighted we are to see him back among us—[HON. MEMBERS: "Hear, hear."]—so that he can help to clear up the gigantic and appalling mess which his disastrous policies have brought upon the country? About the official historian, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it will require an expert military man to differentiate between "armed conflict" and "war," and would he consider appointing Air Marshal Lord Tedder to undertake the task?
§ The Prime MinisterI am obliged to the hon. Gentleman. If I were trying to fulfil this hypothetical exercise which he has set before us, for my part I should prefer my right hon. Friend the Member for Woodford (Sir W. Churchill).
§ Mr. GaitskellMay I take this opportunity of expressing the hope that the Prime Minister has had a goad rest, despite any disturbing messages he may have received from this country, and that he is now fully restored to health? May 927 I ask him whether, meanwhile, and pending a decision on this matter, he will give an assurance that all the relevant documents will be preserved?
§ The Prime MinisterThis is a Question about the history of the armed conflict with Egypt. Certainly the documents are there, and will remain there. Anybody who wishes to dive into them, in due course, can dive into them.
§ Mr. NicholsonWill my right hon. Friend consider appointing the hon. Member for South Ayrshire (Mr. Emrys Hughes) as court jester?