HC Deb 02 July 1952 vol 503 c419
27. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to what extent, in his official interviews with Dr. Adenauer on the German contribution to Western Defence, the question of Germans being allowed to appeal as conscientious objectors from military service, was discussed.

Mr. Nutting

This matter has not been discussed with Dr. Adenauer.

Mr. Hughes

Is the Minister aware that during the last five years a large sum of British money has been spent on anti-militarist propaganda in Germany with the result that very many intelligent Germans are now conscientious objectors, and is it not time that the Government considered this matter in case these people are put into jail for being anti-militarists?

Mr. Nutting

Whatever money was spent by the previous Government in converting Germans to pacifism, Her Majesty's Government have now no responsibility for it. What is now in the contract is that this is a matter of internal German law.

Mr. J. Hynd

But is it not the case that the German Basic Law, which is the West German constitution, provides specifically that no German will be forced to serve in the military forces against his conscience?

Mr. Nutting

That is perfectly true. No one may be compelled against his conscience to perform war service as a combatant under Article 4 of the Basic Law, but that does not alter the fact that it is not a matter for which Her Majesty's Government have any responsibility.