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Oral Answers to Questions — Foreign Office (American Department).

– in the House of Commons at on 28 May 1941.

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Photo of Mr Alfred Edwards Mr Alfred Edwards , Middlesbrough East

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why it is that only two men in the American section of the Foreign Office have ever been in the United States of America; and what steps he intends taking to remedy this handicap to Anglo-American understanding?

Photo of Mr Anthony Eden Mr Anthony Eden , Warwick and Leamington

Three of the four senior officers of the American Department have had long and intimate experience of the United States. I do not consider, therefore, that Anglo-American understanding is subject to the handicap to which my hon. Friend refers.

Photo of Mr Alfred Edwards Mr Alfred Edwards , Middlesbrough East

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this Question is based on a statement made by a well-known writer, and that it has served a useful purpose in obtaining a complete denial from the Minister?

Photo of Mr Anthony Eden Mr Anthony Eden , Warwick and Leamington

I am all the more grateful to my hon. Friend for his Question, because these three people have, between them, served 34 years in the United States.

Secretary of State

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