39. Mr. Philips Priceasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in view of the discussions that have been taking place in Malta between British and American naval officers on Middle East defence, what steps have been taken to invite representatives of Greece and Turkey to participate in discussions.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonThe discussions in Malta to which my hon. Friend refers, and which are now concluded, were discussions between senior British and American military representatives in the area and no steps were taken to invite representatives of any other country to participate.
Mr. PriceCan my right hon. Friend assure me that in due course representatives of Turkey and Greece will be brought into the discussions on the defence of the Mediterranean, whether the eastern or the central part?
§ Mr. MorrisonI am speaking from memory, but I think that Turkey and Greece are in, some way associated with the North Atlantic Treaty, so that should be taken taken care of; but these were direct discussions between two military Powers with certain specified responsibilities. They have now ended, and we thought that, on the whole, it was legitimate that those two Powers should be free to discuss the matter privately between themselves.