HC Deb 01 November 1948 vol 457 cc489-91
18. Mr. Blackburn

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the speech of General Sir Brian Robertson on 27th October, in which he advocated the Allied evacuation of Germany on certain conditions, represents the policy of His Majesty's Government.

Mr. Mayhew

No, Sir. In replying to a question put to him on this subject, the Military Governor made it quite clear that he was expressing an opinion on a purely hypothetical question, which would have to be carefully considered.

Mr. Blackburn

While paying tribute to the great work which General Robertson has done, may I ask the Minister to make it plain that this statement was, in fact, a gross blunder both because the General should execute policy and not make personal independent interpretations of policy, and, secondly, because any idea of evacuating Germany would be a betrayal of the millions of Europeans who have fought so long to prevent a recurrence of German armed aggression?

Mr. Mayhew

No, Sir, I cannot agree with that. This statement, which was made in reply to a question, was couched in the most reserved terms. It was a purely hypothetical question, and General Robertson merely said that this would have to be carefully considered.

Mr. Martin Lindsay

Is the Minister aware that most people will not accept his explanation and that General Robertson's reply to that question has caused dismay amongst practically everybody who has read it?

Mr. S. Silverman

On the other hand, does not my hon. Friend agree that this country and the other Allied countries have repeatedly declared that the occupation of Germany by the forces of the victorious Powers is not intended to be permanent but temporary?

Mr. Beswick

Would my hon. Friend, take into consideration that a great body of opinion in this country feels that the only sensible solution to the present problem would be, under proper safeguards, the complete evacuation of all occupying forces?

Mr. Blackburn

Is my hon. Friend aware that, assuming the Allies evacuated Germany, it would leave that country a prey to Communist aggression?

Mr. Mayhew

We are not contemplating an Allied evacuation. There is nothing I can add to the statement I have made.