§ 5. Mr. Warbeyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what arrangements have been made for discussions between the Powers adhering to the Brussels Treaty and representatives of the U.S. Government regarding American armed aid to Western Europe.
Mr. McNeilThere will undoubtedly be a constant exchange of views in Washington between the Governments of the United States, the United Kingdom, the other parties to the Brussels Treaty and Canada concerning Western European security arrangements, and United States and Canadian association with them. His Majesty's Ambassador has been instructed to hold himself in readiness for such exchanges of views.
United States association would come under the terms of the United States Senate Resolution of 11th June, the third paragraph of which as my hon. Friend is aware, recommends
association of the United States by constitutional process with such regional and other collective arrangements as are based on continuous and effective self-help and mutual aid and as affect its national security.7 The Canadian attitude in regard to the matter has been clearly stated by the Prime Minister of Canada in the Canadian House of Commons on 17th March.
§ Mr. WarbeyBearing in mind that we shall be going into Recess in a few weeks' time, will my right hon. Friend give an undertaking that no further military commitments will be entered into until this House has had an opportunity of discussing the matter?
§ Mr. WarbeyIs my right hon. Friend aware that the subject of military commitments does arise on this Question, that military commitments are a matter of life and death for every citizen of this country, and that they should not be entered into except in the fullest light of public knowledge and discussion?
Mr. McNeilI do not want to be difficult or to be thought evasive, but I was asked what arrangements have been made for discussions, and I have replied as fully as I can upon that subject.