§ Sir R. Glynasked the Minister of War Transport what were the conditions 2142W agreed upon with the U.S.A. authorities for the exclusive use of the Cunard White Star liners ss. "Queen Mary" and "Queen Elizabeth" for trooping, these liners not being available, therefore, for normal Atlantic traffic; and on what terms have the British Government agreed to the ss. "Europa" and "Ile de France" being released from the shipping pool and reconditioned for civil Atlantic trade.
§ Mr. BarnesThere were no special conditions agreed with the U.S. authorities for the use of the "Queen Mary" and "Queen Elizabeth" for the transportation of American Forces from Europe to America. As I stated in the House on Friday, 12th October, the two "Queens" were allocated for this purpose in order to achieve the redeployment of the American Forces against the Japanese in the shortest possible time. These troop ships, like all other troop ships, have been used during the war as combined resources to be used in the common interest to the greatest possible advantage. The two "Queens" cannot be made available for normal Atlantic traffic until their services are no longer required for the repatriation of our own Armed Forces, including those of the Dominions and the Allies.
The British Government has not agreed to the "Europa" and "Ile de France" being released from the Shipping Pool and reconditioned for civil Atlantic trade. The "Europa" is in the hands of the U.S. authorities and is being prepared for U.S. trooping. The "Ile de France" is still employed in the movement of British and Dominion troops as she has been throughout the war.