Oral Answers to Questions — Germany (War Film).

– in the House of Commons at on 13 February 1933.

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Photo of Sir Charles Cayzer Sir Charles Cayzer , City of Chester

59.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the character of the naval war-film "Morenrot" now being exhibited throughout Germany, in which men of the Royal Navy are being depicted as being guilty of unchivalrous and treacherous conduct; and whether, in view of the effect which the exhibiting of such a film is likely to have on Anglo-German relations, he proposes to make any representations to the German Government on this matter?

Photo of Mr John Simon Mr John Simon , Spen Valley

I am advised that the film in question does not convey any suggestion of unchivalrous or treacherous conduct on the part of men of the Royal Navy, and I do not feel that it need have any harmful effect on Anglo-German relations. The answer to the second part of the question, therefore, is in the negative.

Photo of Sir Charles Cayzer Sir Charles Cayzer , City of Chester

Is it not a fact that Herr Hitler himself deprecated the showing of this film as being of a definitely undesirable nature?

Photo of Mr John Simon Mr John Simon , Spen Valley

That is a rather different question. I was asked if I would make representations on particular grounds. My information is that the action depicted is between a British Q ship and a German U boat; it portrays in a generally accurate manner an incident of warfare at sea during the War, and conveys no suggestion of treachery or unchivalrous conduct on the part of the British. The film shows that the Q ship hoisted the White Ensign before it opened fire.

Photo of Sir Charles Cayzer Sir Charles Cayzer , City of Chester

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Berlin correspondent of the "Times" has expressed the definite opinion that this film does gravely reflect upon the honour of the British Navy?

Photo of Mr John Simon Mr John Simon , Spen Valley

I can only say that the authority I have cited is an even higher authority.