ATOMIC ENERGY (ANGLO-AMERICAN CONSULTATION)

HC Deb 06 December 1950 vol 482 cc333-4

13. Mr. Blackburn

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will now publish the terms of the agreement between His Majesty's Government and the United States of America concerning their partnership with Canada for the development of atomic energy and the use of atomic bombs.

17. Mr. Harold Davies

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what treaties or agreements are in existence between Great Britain and the United States of America about the exchange of information on the use and production of the atomic bomb.

Mr. Ernest Davies

As stated on 20th October, 1949, co-operation between the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States of America on atomic energy matters is not regulated by a formal agreement but by arrangements made from time to time by the Combined Policy Committee, which was set up in 1943 by the three Governments and which meets periodically in Washington.

Mr. Blackburn

Is the Minister aware that, on a matter of most grave importance, that is an entirely and utterly inadequate answer? May we have an assurance that we have the right to be consulted by the United States of America in relation to the whole atomic energy programme and on every occasion upon which the atomic bomb is dropped in action? May I ask him for that explicit assurance, because we had that right in 1943 under the agreement between the right hon. Gentleman the Leader of the Opposition and President Roosevelt?

Mr. Davies

I cannot understand why the hon. Gentleman is not satisfied with that answer, which was entirely a statement of fact, and why he is getting so excited over this matter, because my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister made it quite clear to the House in the foreign affairs debate last Thursday that, in his view, there should be prior consultation between those United Nations countries which are participating in the Korean incident before any action was taken in this matter.

Mr. Blackburn

In view of the evasive nature of the reply I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible opportunity.