HC Deb 21 July 1952 vol 504 cc31-3
47. Mr. Fenner Brockway

asked the Prime Minister if he will consult the United States military authorities with a view to ensuring the prohibition from participation in political gatherings of United States troops stationed in this country.

The Prime Minister

No discussions with the American authorities are needed. The question of any political activities by their Forces is covered by an agreement between North Atlantic Treaty countries. We should all affirm the general Anglo-American rule of keeping clear of each other's party politics.

Mr. Brockway

Is the Prime Minister aware that the motive of this Question is not criticism of American Service men but of the use of them by the party of which the right hon. Gentleman is the Leader? Is he aware that on 12th July the Ivor Heath Conservative Party Association held a fête to raise money for party purposes to which it invited baseball Service teams, American Service men's teams, to participate for a "Winston Churchill" trophy, and that the Secretary of the Conservative Party Association is reported locally to have stated that she told the right hon. Gentleman all about the match and had a personal note from him saying that he was honoured that his name was linked with the trophy?

The Prime Minister

I read in the "Daily Worker" some account of this. I was asked whether I would allow my name to be given to a trophy to be presented to the winner of two American Forces' teams that were to play a baseball match at a Conservative fête. I had not, I agree, fully realised the political implications that might attach to the matter, and in so far as I have erred I express my regret. [Laughter.]

Mr. H. Hynd

While hon. Gentlemen opposite may try to laugh this one off, may I ask whether the Prime Minister would contemplate the attitude of his hon. Friends if this incident had happened in connection with a Labour Party fête?

The Prime Minister

I hope we should all show an equal spirit of tolerance and good humour.

Mr. Nicholson

is my right hon. Friend aware that so great is the desire of American troops not to be associated with political parties in this country that when a friend of the hon. Member for Eton and Slough (Mr. Fenner Brockway) preached in Canterbury Cathedral yesterday American troops had to leave?

Mr. Brockway

Can the Prime Minister estimate what would be the reaction of Mr. Eisenhower in America if British Forces participated in a Democratic Party celebration?

The Prime Minister

I certainly should not attempt to add to the many difficult questions which are pending at the present time by bending my mind to the solution of that question.