HC Deb 26 July 1950 vol 478 cc461-2
83. Mr. Osborne

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the policy of His Majesty's Government towards the reforming and re-equipping of the German army under the auspices of the United Nation's Security Council and as part of the Western Nation's collective defence force.

The Minister of State (Mr. Younger)

As the hon. Member will no doubt be aware, Germany is not a member of the United Nations. As regards the first part of the Question, I have nothing to add to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary on 28th March.

Mr. Osborne

Has this proposal been discussed between His Majesty's Government, the Government of France and the United States?

Mr. Younger

We have had no discussions on German re-armament with the Government of France or the United States, and, as I have explained in regard to the proposal which occupies the greater part of the hon. Gentleman's Question, Germany is not a member of the United Nations. It would raise a number of difficulties.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Would the Minister keep in mind the statement of Dr. Schumacher that on no account will German Socialists allow their youth to be cannon fodder in another war?