HC Deb 05 May 1947 vol 437 cc14-5
21. Mr. King

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the preliminary plan to be submitted to U.N.O. by the Military Staffs Committee for the creation of a supra-national army.

Mr. McNeil

I presume my hon. Friend is referring to the report on basic principles which are to govern the organisation of the United Nations forces. The Military Staff Committee submitted their report to the Security Council on 30th April in accordance with the latter's instructions. The report, as the House knows, was released to the Press yesterday. No date has yet been fixed for its consideration by the Security Council, as the Governments who are not represented on the Military Staff Committee will clearly require time to study it.

Mr. Pickthorn

Can the Minister say whether the supra-national soldiers will be allowed to marry and live with supranational women, or will they be confined to members of their own nationality?

Mr. Warbey

Does not my right hon. Friend think that the time has now come when His Majesty's Government should propose the creation of a small, integrated United Nations police force to be used in territories such as Trieste, which are under the jurisdicfion of the United Nations?

Mr. McNeil

What His Majesty's Government might propose and what would be accepted are, clearly, two different things. Some proposals from the Government, not unconnected with the force which the hon. Member has in mind, have not been accepted by the Committee.

Mr. W. Fletcher

Would the right hon. Gentleman see that, in referring to this force in future, the word "supranational" is not used, as it might cause some unfortunate confusion?

Mr. Austin

Would my right hon. Friend consider publication of this report in the form of a White Paper?

Mr. McNeil

Certainly, I will consider it, but it might be better to wait until after the Security Council has decided, as it is within their province.