HC Deb 29 June 1948 vol 452 cc1995-6
38 and 39. Mr. Zilliacus

asked the Prime Minister (1) if he will give an assurance that, in spite of the existence of joint Anglo-American defence arrangements, the West European military alliance and the recent declaration of His Majesty's Ambassador in Washington to the effect that this country had taken sides with the U.S.A. against the U.S.S.R., his announcement on 6th March, 1947, to the effect that war between this country and either the U.S.A. or the U.S.S.R. could equally be disregarded in considering the policy of this country still holds good; and

(2) whether he will assure the House that the emergency plan for joint action in case of hostilities with the Soviet Union, in Berlin or elsewhere, agreed upon during the visit to Washington in April of Lieut.-General Sir Leslie Hollis, Deputy Military Secretary of the Cabinet, does not impose any obligation on this country to go to war if the United States enters into military conflict with the Soviet Union.

The Prime Minister

The policy of His Majesty's Government in regard to security continues to be based upon their obligations under the Charter of the United Nations. I cannot undertake to say in advance how these obligations would operate if an act of aggression occurred. Meanwhile, His Majesty's Government naturally reserve their right to conclude arrangements for regional defence based on Article 51 of the Charter. Regional arrangements for defence already exist, as my hon. Friend is aware, in Eastern Europe. There is no defence agreement between His Majesty's Government and the United States Government, though relations between the services and staffs are, of course, close and cordial.

Mr. Zilliacus

Is the Prime Minister aware that the arrangements referred to in these two Questions are regarded in the United States as automatically committing this country to go to war if the United States were to go to war with the Soviet Union in any part of the world? Is that impression correct, or is it a wrong impression?

The Prime Minister

I am not aware that that impression is prevalent in the United States of America, and I really cannot correct every impression which gets in the minds of another country or of hon. Members of this House.

Mr. Eden

Could the Prime Minister say whether he has any recent information as to how these defence arrangements are working in South-Eastern Europe?