HC Deb 09 May 1951 vol 487 cc1938-40
25. Mr. M. Philips Price

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps have been taken or are in contemplation to secure the co-operation of Turkey and Greece in the defence scheme of the Near and Middle East through the Eastern Mediterranean Planning Board of the Atlantic Pact Organisation.

The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Herbert Morrison)

Since the Near and Middle East are outside the North Atlantic area, their defence is not the direct responsibility of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, which has no Eastern Mediterranean Planning Board. It has, however, been agreed, under a decision of the North Atlantic Council, that Turkey and Greece shall be associated with North Atlantic Treaty planning for the Mediterranean and the appropriate organisation for this purpose is under consideration. Preliminary discussions have already taken place between military representatives of Turkey and Greece and the North Atlantic Standing Group.

Mr. Price

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that there is considerable feeling in both Turkey and Greece about their apparent exclusion from the organisation for the defence of the Mediterranean? Will he also bear in mind that Turkey is the largest military Power in the Middle East today, having an army equal to any in Europe?

Mr. Morrison

I am aware of the considerations which my hon. Friend has put forward, and I will most certainly keep them in mind.

Brigadier Head

Does not the Foreign Secretary think that now that Turkey is doing planning within the North Atlantic Pact Organisation, it is time for some extension of the North Atlantic Pact to cover the Middle East under some separate organisation?

Mr. Mott-Radclyffe

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that in view of the geographical situation of Turkey and Greece, the effectiveness of the North Atlantic Treaty is largely offset unless there is active co-operation and some plan which brings Turkey and Greece into the whole set-up?

Mr. Morrison

We are not yet on the basis of association. I can assure the House that we are not unsympathetic towards what hon. Members are seeking.

Mr. Watkinson

In view of the very fine and outstanding fighting qualities that the Turkish contingent has shown in Korea, will the Foreign Secretary say what prospect there is of having a fairly close integration of the available Turkish Armed Forces in the Forces available to defend the Middle East?

Mr. Morrison

I am very well aware of the admirable and courageous contribution of the Turkish Forces in Korea. As I have said, we are not unsympathetic about it and will do everything we can to the end in view.