Colonel Josiah Wedgwood: asked the Secretary of State for War why, after the experience of Crete, inadequate steps were taken to protect the aerodromes in Malaya; what action has been taken in regard to the officer or officers responsible; and whether the War Office is responsible for similar defence in Burma?
Colonel Josiah Wedgwood: Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied with the amount of defence that was provided at these aerodromes in Malaya?
Colonel Josiah Wedgwood: asked the Minister of Information whether it is the policy of His Majesty's Government to encourage revolt in occupied Europe, irrespective of what form that revolt may take?
Colonel Josiah Wedgwood: Does my hon. Friend realise the value to our cause of every revolt against oppression, and in considering this question will he have regard to something beyond the immediate tragedy to the people concerned, and to the value of a good example?
Colonel Josiah Wedgwood: asked the Secretary of State for India whether any steps are being taken to establish Home Guards in India on the British models?
Colonel Josiah Wedgwood: May I ask, in the first place, whether that Answer applies to Burma? Is anything more being done in Burma at the present time? Secondly, I would ask whether there is any sort of demand in India itself for Civil Defence measures such as there was in this country?
Colonel Josiah Wedgwood: Will they be forced, or will they be asked to volunteer?
Colonel Josiah Wedgwood: I should like to remind the hon. Member for West Fulham (Dr. Summer-skill) that Hitler is not the only person in this world who believes that a woman's sphere is children, Church and kitchen. We can only hope that the Secretary of State for War does not agreee with Hitler. This Debate has been one long chorus of praise for the War Office. I do not think it is good for this House or the...
Colonel Josiah Wedgwood: The time by which we must give in our notices unless we wish to remain will be specified in the Regulations. That is all right. It will give us some time, and I hope you postpone the Regulations indefinitely. See what you are sacrificing. Is it not true to say that the real value of the Home Guard is that it is very well trained? They have been very well trained, infinitely better trained...
Colonel Josiah Wedgwood: But are they not useful? Are they not as useful as you or me—especially the old soldiers? But they will have to return their uniform after all they have done.
Colonel Josiah Wedgwood: Exactly. They will have to return their uniform and cease to be members. Would it not be possible to allow old volunteers to retain their uniform and to be called up in case of invasion? I can tell you, the best training you can have for fighting is fighting. The experience of fighting is of value, even if your training in modern methods may not be so good. As a matter of fact, there is...
Colonel Josiah Wedgwood: They are not "old sweats." That is all very well, but two months after these Regulations are promulgated they will be liable, unless they have sent in their resignations, to be subjected to the 48-hour rule.
Colonel Josiah Wedgwood: How can they know? It depends upon the battalion commander, I suppose. Really, you must make it clear to these people that any change in the maximum hours will not be used against them, that they will be able to resign afterwards without being punished. Why should these people, who would be extremely useful in case of an actual invasion, be debarred from helping their country later on? Why...
Colonel Josiah Wedgwood: Are we paying for them, or are the Italian Government?
Colonel Josiah Wedgwood: asked the Prime Minister which Service Department was responsible for the defence of the aerodromes that have been captured by the Japanese in Malaya?
Colonel Josiah Wedgwood: Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there has been any change since our experiences in Crete and, if so, what change has been made?
Colonel Josiah Wedgwood: asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government propose yet to break off relations with Finland, as requested by the Soviet Government?
Colonel Josiah Wedgwood: Arising out of that answer, did not the right hon. Gentleman the Secretary of State, when he last replied to this Question, say that as regards the International Brigade he was approaching the American Government to see whether they could do anything in the matter, and has any reply yet been received from the American Government, and is it not a fact that the Russian objection to the Inter...
Colonel Josiah Wedgwood: As regards the quesion of prisoners of war, while it is, of course, the primary duty of the Government concerned, is it not possible for His Majesty's Government to use their good offices to do something, for they are suffering fearful hardships at present?
Colonel Josiah Wedgwood: asked the Minister of Information whether there is at the Ministry any department dealing with Soviet Russia, similar to his American Department, and able to supply speakers and information for Anglo-Soviet friend ship meetings.
