HC Deb 02 May 1966 vol 727 cc1230-1
40. Dame Irene Ward

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in implementation of the plan to write an official history of Special Operations Executive operations in each European country, following the recent publication on France, when he proposes to authorise the commencement of a book on operations in another country.

Mrs. White

As the hon. Lady is aware, the history of S.O.E.'s activities in France has only just been published. There is no immediate intention of publishing histories of its activities in other European countries.

Dame Irene Ward

In view of the fact that Mr. Foot has already been asked whether he would like to continue the plan which was originally established when Mr. Macmillan acted in this matter, does it not seem a little odd—as he has refused for reasons of his own—that we still cannot go forward with the original plan? Is the hon. Lady aware that it would be a very good moment to start a history of the resistance in Norway, which was particularly brilliant and helpful to this country?

Mrs. White

With great respect, the hon. Lady is mistaken in suggesting——

Dame Irene Ward

I have stated what I have been told.

Mr. Speaker

Order.

Mrs. White

She is mistaken in suggesting that there was any plan to take this matter country by country. I think that it would be better for us to see the reactions of serious historians to the recent publication before any further decision is reached.