MADAGASCAR (BRITISH FORCES, COMMAND).

HC Deb 03 June 1942 vol 380 c666

45. Mr. Garro Jones

asked the Prime Minister who is in command of British air, naval and military Forces at Madagascar?

The Deputy Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)

The local command of all naval, military and air Forces in the Diego Suarez area is vested in the Fortress Commander, Major-General Sturges, of the Royal Marines.

Mr. Garro Jones

Is it quite clear that he exercises command over the naval, military, and air Forces, without reference to London in an emergency?

Mr. Attlee

He is exercising command over all the Forces in his area, but naturally he comes under the general direction as I have described it in that area.

Mr. Garro Jones

My right hon. Friend has not described it. What I want to know is whether this is an example of truly united command of the three arms of the Service?

Mr. Attlee

Certainly.