HC Deb 11 May 1959 vol 605 cc833-4
7. Mr. Zilliacus

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what communications he has received from the French Government concerning the admission of Franco Spain to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation; and what was his reply.

21. Mr. Healey

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to what extent it is Her Majesty's Government's policy that Spain should be admitted to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.

23. Mr. Bevan

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what fresh proposals have been made to Her Majesty's Government regarding the admission of Spain to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation; and what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government to this question.

Mr. Profumo

No proposals have been made to Her Majesty's Government about Spanish membership of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. Nor has the French Government sent us a communication about it. Membership of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation is a matter for all members of the organisation together. It would therefore be inappropriate for me to say now what the attitude of Her Majesty's Government might or might not be if Spanish membership came up for consideration at any time.

Mr. Zilliacus

Will not the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the General Assembly of the United Nations at one time pointed out that the Franco régime was a Fascist regime imposed upon Spain by Hitler and Mussolini and in no way represented the Spanish people? Will he further bear in mind that there are already over 50 dictatorships in the so-called free world? Does he not believe that the admission of this malodorous Fascist regime to N.A.T.O. would expose the fact that what the Government mean by "defence of the free world" is the preservation of "The world of King Slickey", to quote the New Statesman?

Mr. Profumo

That does not arise from my Answer. Perhaps the hon. Member might listen a little more closely to the answers I give to his Questions.