Bombing Policy

47.

Wing-Commander Hulbert
asked the Prime Minister whether he will give an assurance that no representations made to His Majesty's Government by neutral countries suggesting the abandonment of air-bombing will be considered and that it is the policy of His Majesty's Government relentlessly to pursue all forms of military attack upon the enemy?

Mr. Attlee
The destruction Of the Axis war potential by air bombing is a vital and indeed major feature of our strategy, and neither the enemy nor anyone else will divert us from it. Nor shall we relax the vigorous prosecution of the war by this and other legitimate methods until the complete victory of the United Nations is achieved.

Mr. Stokes
Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is an ever-growing volume of opinion in this country which considers the indiscriminate bombing of civilian centres both morally wrong and strategic lunacy?

Mr. Attlee
There is no indiscriminate bombing. As has been repeatedly stated in this House, the bombing is of those targets which are most effective from the military point of view.

Mr. Lawson
Can we have the kind of thing that the hon. Gentleman calls public opinion on this matter?

Sir William Davison
On a point of Order. Is there any way of preventing statements like this being made in the House?

Mr. Sorensen
The Gestapo.

Wing-Commander Hulbert
Does my right hon. Friend realise that his answer will be appreciated by all sensible people in this country?

Mr. Sorensen
Will the right hon. Gentleman at least give consideration to any representations made by Christian Churches on this matter?

Mr. Attlee
We have not received any. We must wait until we do.