HC Deb 18 April 1940 vol 359 cc1159-60W
Captain A. Graham

asked the Prime Minister whether he will assure the House that His Majesty's Government do not intend to leave solely to Japan the maintenance of peace in the waters of the Netherlands East Indies, in the event of the Netherlands themselves becoming a theatre of war?

Mr. Butler

So far as my Noble Friend is aware, the Japanese Government have made no claim to be solely responsible for the maintenance of peace in the waters of the Netherlands East Indies. In a statement to the Press, the Japanese Foreign Minister said that the Japanese Government could not but be deeply concerned over any development consequent upon the aggravation of the war in Europe which might affect the status quo in the Netherlands East Indies. I need hardly say that upon this question His Majesty's Government hold similar views.

Sir R. Gower

asked the Prime Minister the nature of the communication received from the Japanese Government with respect to the Netherlands East Indies?

Mr. Butler

No official communication has been received from the Japanese Government, but the Japanese Foreign Minister has made a statement which has appeared in the Press.