HC Deb 08 July 1952 vol 503 c1091
47. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Prime Minister on how many occasions, since November, 1951, on which a statement has been made to the House referring to military operations in Korea, the text of the proposed statement has been previously shown to General Omar Bradley for comment.

The Prime Minister

The parts of the statement made to the House by the Minister of State last Tuesday which referred to the progress of military operations were shown to General Bradley as a matter of courtesy, in view of the talks which he and the Minister of Defence had had a few days before in Washington.

Mr. Shinwell Would the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to answer my question, which was

On how many occasions since November, 1951, has a statement been given to this House regarding military operations which has been vetted by General Omar Bradley?

The Prime Minister

There have been only two statements on the course of military operations in Korea since we came into office. The first was the day before the Minister of Defence went to Korea, and the other last week. There was no consultation with General Bradley before the first statement was made, because no conversations had taken place between them.

Mr. Shinwell

Then I understand the answer is "No."

The Prime Minister indicated assent.