§ 26. Mr. Eric Fletcherasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Federal German Government in their discussions with the High Commissioners have yet put forward their conditions for making a contribution to Western European defence plans; and what those conditions are.
§ Mr. Ernest DaviesAt their meeting in Brussels, on 19th December, the Foreign Ministers of France, the United Kingdom and the United States authorised their respective High Commissioners to explore further with the German Federal Republic the problem of associating Germany in the common defence of the West, and to explore any changes in the present occupation arrangements which might logically attend a German defence contribution. The present discussions between the High Commissioners and the 1722 Federal German Government are the direct result of this decision and are, therefore, purely exploratory.
§ Mr. FletcherWill my hon. Friend bear in mind that there is a large volume of opinion in this country which considers that German rearmament is wrong in principle and dangerous in practice, and that General Eisenhower himself recently expressed the opinion that it is premature? Will he give an assurance that no further steps will be taken until after the proposed four-Power conference has been held?
§ Mr. DaviesAs I stated, the discussions which are now going on are only of an exploratory nature, and no steps have been taken actually to rearm Germany. At present the position is that we are explaining to the Germans our proposals and the Germans are considering them and putting forward their proposals. But there has been no step taken which is irrevocable.
§ Mr. PagetDoes my hon. Friend think that there is any prospect of the Germans being our comrades in the defence of Western Europe while we persist in keeping their most revered commanders in jail for obeying orders?
§ Mr. EdenThe earlier answer given by the hon. Gentleman seemed to me to be quite a new statement. He said that no irrevocable decision has been taken. Have not the Government, in conjunction with a number of other Governments, taken a decision—I am not arguing whether it is right or wrong—in this matter of German rearmament?
§ Mr. DaviesYes, Sir, a decision of principle was taken at Brussels, and as a result of that, discussions are taking place. What will be the outcome of these discussions it is, of course, not possible to say at this stage.
§ Mr. Emrys HughesWill these exploratory conversations include conversations with the leaders of German trade unions, who strongly object to their members being organised for cannon fodder in another war?
§ Brigadier HeadWould the hon. Gentleman confirm that the object of the conversations now taking place at the 1723 Petersberg are to reach a settlement in regard to the rearmament of Germany, and for that purpose only?
§ Mr. DaviesIt is for the purpose of putting the decisions which were taken by the Atlantic Council before the Germans; to consider what they are willing to do in that connection as regards a defence contribution; and then to decide what further action should be taken.
§ Mr. EdenPresumably His Majesty's Government want the result of the meeting at Brussels, where all this was agreed, to succeed. Do they not, or have they changed their minds?
§ Mr. DaviesThe decisions taken at Brussels will be pursued by the Atlantic Council, which instructed the High Commissioners, to explore with the Germans the possibility, and the nature, of a defence contribution by the Germans.
§ Mr. S. SilvermanWill my hon. Friend bear in mind that, no matter how successful the exploratory conversations may be, there will remain an overwhelming opinion in this country that the rearming of Germany ought not to take place; and that his statement that no irrevocable decision, even in principle, has been taken will be vastly welcomed by nearly everyone?
§ Mr. Nigel BirchCould anything be more dangerous than to take a decision in principle to rearm Germany and then to muff the whole business?