§ 17. Captain Ryderasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what arrangements exist for the co-ordination or command of naval forces of the Atlantic Treaty Powers in the event of hostilities; and whether it is proposed that Allied naval commanders should be appointed for the areas concerned.
§ Mr. CallaghanThe arrangements being made cover the naval forces of all Atlantic Treaty Powers, and there must be common agreement to publication of command organisation details. No mutual decision has been taken in the matter of publication.
§ Captain RyderCan the hon. Gentleman tell us whether General Eisenhower has any connection at all with naval organisation, or is it proposed to appoint a similar naval commander?
§ Mr. CallaghanIf the details were published I am sure that that point would be included.
§ Mr. Sydney SilvermanWill my hon. Friend bear in mind that co-ordination of command or co-ordination of Forces without co-ordination of policy can be a very dangerous thing?
§ Sir Ronald RossHas any decision been taken, or have any mutual arrangements been arrived at, about who is to command, even if it is not possible to publish that information?
§ Mr. CallaghanThis is a continuous work that has been going on for many months, and I should not care to indicate now the precise point that has been reached.
§ Captain RyderCan we be assured that a suitable organisation is, in fact, in existence?
§ Mr. CallaghanI can certainly assure the House that this has been the subject of continuous study, and that a number of arrangements have been made.