HC Deb 08 December 1948 vol 459 cc387-8
52. Mr. Platts-Mills

asked the Minister of Defence the purpose of the visit to Washington of Lieut.-General Sir Kenneth Crawford, Deputy Chief of the Imperial General Staff, and of Air-Marshal Sir Ralph Cochrane, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Flying Training Command; and what was the nature of their discussions with General Bradley, Chief of Staff of the United States Army.

Mr. Alexander

Close liaison on matters of mutual interest is maintained between the British and United States Forces. The visits referred to were in furtherance of that policy.

Mr. Platts-Mills

Is not it now possible for my right hon. Friend to stop this continuous stream of high-ranking officers across the Atlantic to get instructions, as its only effect in this country and America is to feed the war talk that is so current?

Mr. Alexander

In view of the hon. Member's apparent knowledge of military matters in Moscow, which he expressed this week, perhaps he would direct the same sort of question to Moscow.

Mr. Langford-Holt

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an undertaking that there is no intention to change the title of this officer to "The Deputy Chief of the Commonwealth General Staff"?

Mr. Alexander

I should think not.

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