HC Deb 30 June 1947 vol 439 cc940-1
46. Mr. T. Reid

asked the Prime Minister if he will give an assurance that any country which leaves the Empire, thus becoming a foreign country, will not automatically have its defence shared by Great Britain, and that the Governments of the Commonwealth and Empire will be consulted before any decisions regarding the security of such foreign countries are made.

The Prime Minister

Any proposal to share defence responsibilities in a case of this kind must obviously be a matter for negotiation and treaty with the Govern- ment concerned. In the event of such a situation arising, the normal procedure as regards consultation with other countries of the Commonwealth would be followed.

Sir Ronald Ross

Is there any Treaty as regards the defence of Eire, or is it regarded as part of the Empire?

The Prime Minister

I would like notice of that question.

Lieut.-Commander Gurney Braithwaite

Has the Prime Minister any reason to regard the original Question as other than purely hypothetical?