HC Deb 16 February 1943 vol 386 cc1604-5W
Mr. Thorne

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many countries were allied to this country immediately following the declaration of war; what is the number now; whether any of the then Allies have joined up with the enemy; what countries remain neutral; what countries are now fighting against the Allies; and how many countries are at war with Finland, Hungary and Rumania, respectively?

Mr. Eden

Immediately after the outbreak of war two countries besides this country were fighting as Allies against Germany, viz., France and Poland. His Majesty's Government had and still have treaties of alliance with Egypt, Iraq, Portugal and Turkey. His Majesty's Government had also given unilateral guarantees of assistance against aggression to Greece and Rumania. As regards the third part of the Question, the French Government signed armistices with Germany and Italy in June, 1940, and Rumania has joined up with the enemy. As regards the second part of the Question, treaties of alliance have been concluded with Persia and the U.S.S.R. since the outbreak of the war. The number of countries now fighting with Great Britain against the Axis is 25. They are:

Belgium, Brazil, China, Costa Rica, Cuba, Czechoslovakia, Dominican Republic, Ethiopia, Greece, Guatemala, Hayti, Honduras, Iraq, Luxemburg, Mexico, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Philippine Islands, Poland, Salvador, U.S.S.R., U.S.A. and Yugoslavia. All French overseas territories except the French West Indies and French Guiana are also now fighting against the Axis.

The following countries remain neutral:

Afghanistan, Argentina Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Egypt, Iceland, Liechstenstein, Liberia, Nepal, Paraguay, Persia, Peru, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Uruguay and Venezuela.

The countries now fighting against the Allies are:

Bulgaria, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Rumania and Siam.

The number of countries at war with Finland, Hungary and Rumania is three, eight and seven respectively. This reply does not take into account the Dominions, for the position in regard to which I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs to the hon. and gallant Member for South Nottingham (Major Markham) on 15th December.