§ Sir T. Mooreasked the Minister of Information what steps he is taking to bring to the notice of the French nation, with whom we have so long co-operated, the friendly and sympathetic policy of the British Government?
§ Mr. NicolsonEvery possible step has been taken to make clear that the actions of the French Government have in no1356W way altered the warmth of our feeling for the French people. To repeat this assurance there are now available six broadcasts in French every day on a variety of wavelengths, in addition to other means of approach.
§ Sir R. Glynasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the position of British residents in France now that the French Government have severed relations with His Majesty's Government; what steps have been taken to look after British interests in both occupied and non-occupied French territory, and what Government has now been entrusted with the duty of looking after British interests; and what scheme has been adopted for conveying information as to the safety and welfare of British subjects now cut off from this country to their friends and relatives?
§ Mr. ButlerBritish subjects whether in occupied or unoccupied France are, in general, subject to the local authorities. In reply to the second part of the Question, His Majesty's consular officers on vacating their posts handed over to their United States colleagues. There is at present no postal communication between this country and France, though telegrams for France are accepted at the sender's risk and telegrams from France are reaching this country. Inquiries about British subjects in France are being sent to the United States Embassy in London, but my hon. Friend will realise that considerable time must elapse before replies can be received. Inquiries can also be made through the British Red Cross Society, St. James's Palace, about the welfare and whereabouts of British subjects in France. It is hoped shortly to apply to France the Red Cross postal message scheme and the Thomas Cook scheme.
§ Mr. Priceasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps are being taken to secure further co-operation between Great Britain and the French Colonies in the prosecution of the war; and whether it is proposed that the act of union shall apply to residents of those Colonies?
§ Mr. ButlerAll aspects of our future relations with the French Colonial Empire are receiving the urgent attention of His Majesty's Government.
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§ Mr. Woodburnasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the composition of the Bordeaux Government which has surrendered France to Germany, the Government are prepared to make public the information they have regarding Monsieur Laval's relations with the Italian Government during the settling of the Hoare-Laval Pact; and whether it is within the knowledge of the Government that Monsieur Laval played any considerable part in the negotiations which preceded the recent surrender of the French Government?
§ Mr. ButlerThe hon. Member will no doubt find the information for which he asks in Command Paper No. 5071 of 1936, which contains an account of the negotiations between the Governments of the United Kingdom, France and Italy in Paris in August, 1935. His Majesty's Government, however, clearly cannot publish such documents as may have passed between the French and Italian Governments. As regards the second part of the Question, Monsieur Laval was not a member of the French Government until after the conclusion of the armistice on 22nd June.