§ 30. Mr. Haleasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, before returning to the Bonn Government the original captured German archives relating to the outbreak of the last war, he will arrange for copies and microfilms to be made available to the principal British libraries.
§ Lord John HopeThe principal documents of the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs relating to the period in question have already been published both in the original and in English translation by Her Majesty's Government, together with the United States and French Governments. Copies of the volumes in question are available for purchase by libraries. Photostats or microfilms of the documents have been or will be placed in the Public Record Office, where they will be generally available.
§ Mr. HaleIs the hon. Gentleman aware that I am obliged to him for that Answer? Is he aware that these documents are of great historical importance? In particular, is he aware that those documents, which show the then Conservative Prime Minister and his emissaries, in the summer of 1939, dismissing the right hon. Member for Woodford (Sir W. Churchill) as of no political importance; offering Hitler a condominium in Africa—[HON. MEMBERS: "Speech."]—and asking the assistance of Hitler—[HON. MEMBERS: "Speech."]—in "dishing" the Labour 1078 Party at a snap General Election, are of political and psychological importance?
§ Mr. SpeakerI think that goes rather beyond the Question on the Order Paper.
§ 43. Dame Irene Wardasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will give an assurance that any documents handed over to the Federal German Government will be microfilmed for preservation in this country.
§ Lord John HopeArrangements have been made for all the principal German documents held by Her Majesty's Government to be microfilmed before return to the Federal Government.