§ 45. Mr. Platts-Millsasked the Minister of Defence what instructions have been given to the British Joint Services Mission to the Anglo-American Combined Chiefs of Staff Board in Washington, consequent upon the official announcement that the Soviet Union had discovered the secret of the atomic weapon and that it had this weapon at its disposal.
§ The Minister of Defence (Mr. A. V. Alexander)It would be contrary to policy to disclose confidential Government communications.
§ Mr. Platts-MillsMay I ask a supplementary question which indicates that some of these matters can be dealt with publicly? Will the right hon. Gentleman now withdraw the British Joint Services Mission and make it quite clear to the Americans that we are contracting out of their vile war plans, bearing in mind that we shall be at the receiving end for atom bombs from all quarters once another war starts?
§ Mr. AlexanderIt might be as well on a question like that to adopt the answer Mr. Vishinsky made the other day:
The Soviet Government does not announce in advance what it will do.
§ Mr. GallacherIn view of what happened at the weekend, are proper arrangements being made to ensure the defence of the Minister of Defence when he goes to Sheffield?
§ Mr. AlexanderI am quite capable of looking after myself.