Comment: A striking feature of a number of resistance plots against Hitler was the use of English explosives/detonation systems. While it is usually claimed that these came from captured Abwehr or Wehrmacht stocks, it is worth keeping in mind the possibility of a direct connection with British intelligence. Von Klemperer in German Resistance Against Hitler states specifically that Stauffenberg believed he had a line of communication with Churchill (page 383). MP Richard Stokes was an independent minded Labour member of Ipswich. John Dugdale was also a Labour MP and Private Parliamentary Secretary to Clement Atlee.
Text:
12 July 1944 → Commons Sitting → ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
GERMAN PEOPLE (PEACE TERMS)
HC Deb 12 July 1944 vol 401 cc1732-3 1732 1733
§ 40. Mr. Stokesasked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government will make plain at once the treatment which the German people may expect to receive from the United Nations, provided they themselves overthrow the Nazi regime, thereby encouraging them to that end and diminishing the loss of life and limb to our own Forces.
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir, not at Question time to-day.
§ Mr. StokesDoes the Prime Minister recollect his own statement that the best thing would be for the Germans to overthrow their Nazi taskmasters; and will he indicate what statement has yet been made which will encourage them to do so?
§ The Prime MinisterI am very glad to be reminded of that statement, to which I strongly adhere. I think it has been repeated in other forms by the Foreign Secretary and other Ministers. At any rate, it would certainly be a very well-advised step on the part of the Germans.
§ Sir Wavell WakefieldIs my right hon. Friend aware that many people are of opinion that a punishment fit for these guilty Germans would be to fix them on their own flying bombs and discharge them into space?
§ Mr. StokesWill the right hon. Gentleman answer the second part of my question: what statement has yet been made by the United Nations which would encourage the Germans to overthrow the Nazis in so far as post-war treatment is concerned? No encouragement at all has been given.
§ The Prime MinisterThat is a very interesting matter, but I am only pointing out that these very large topics cannot be adequately handled at Question time.
§ Mr. John DugdaleWill the right hon. Gentleman see that at least those who form part of the German underground movement, few though they may be, receive better treatment than the mass of the Germans?
§ The Prime MinisterI have not been able to come into contact with them yet.
§ Mr. StokesAs it appears to be the Prime Minister's wish, may I give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment?
No comments:
Post a Comment