HC Deb 22 November 1949 vol 470 cc169-70
5. Mr. Piratin

asked the Secretary of State for War what are the qualifications of Major-General C. D. Packard, Director of Military Intelligence, for command of the British Military Mission in Greece.

Mr. M. Stewart

Major-General Packard has had a distinguished career both as a commander and as a staff officer. Among his many appointments he has commanded an Infantry Brigade, has been Deputy Chief of Staff in the Mediterranean theatre and Chief of Staff to the Allied Commander in Austria. My right hon. Friend is satisfied that in view of his extensive command and staff ex- perience, Major-General Packard is particularly suited to be the Commander of the British Military Mission in Greece.

Mr. Piratin

Will the Under-Secretary say what is the purpose of sending an officer who held the post of Director of Military Intelligence in this country to the Military Mission in Greece, whose aim, we are told, is only to advise the Greek Government on military matters?

Mr. Stewart

As I have already pointed out, the particular qualification to which the hon. Member refers is only one of a number of qualifications held by this officer.