HC Deb 24 May 1950 vol 475 c2061
50. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Minister of Defence what steps he has taken to inform the American Chiefs of Staff of the danger to this country of their strategy of defensive bombing.

Mr. Shinwell

Strategic questions of this kind are discussed in the Standing Group of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, which consists of representatives of the Chiefs of Staff of U.S.A., France and the United Kingdom. In considering any particular form of military action the advantages and disadvantages are of course carefully assessed.

Mr. Hughes

Is the Minister aware that representations have just been made to the American Chiefs of Staff from 12 eminent publicists in which they state that this bombing will involve the obliteration of Great Britain; and should he not take a more active line of approach on this?

Mr. Shinwell

It depends on who the publicists are.