HC Deb 07 November 1950 vol 480 cc743-4
9. Mr. A. R. W. Low

asked The Secretary of State for War how many French officers have been attached to British units in the British Army of the Rhine or at home or have attended Army courses in schools in the British Army of the Rhine or at home during the past year; and how many British officers have been attached to French units or have attended French Army courses or schools.

Mr. Strachey

During the past year 16 French officers have been attached to British units in the Army of the Rhine and 61 to units in the United Kingdom; no French officers have attended Army courses or schools in the Army of the Rhine, but 12 have attended courses or schools in the United Kingdom. Sixty-five British officers have been attached to French units and one British officer has attended a French Army school.

Mr. Low

In view of the great importance of Anglo-French co-operation in the formation of European defences, does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that during the forthcoming year greater steps should be taken to see that French and British officers have an opportunity of understanding each other's methods?

Mr. Strachey

I think opportunities will arise during the next year, and we hope to get exchanges going with other countries in Western Europe as well as France.

Major Legge-Bourke

Is it proposed also to have an interchange of N.C.Os. and warrant officers, as there are a number of courses for them run by each Army?

Mr. Strachey

As far as I know, nothing has been worked out yet on those lines, but I will consider the matter.