HC Deb 28 July 1952 vol 504 cc1068-9
5. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to what extent Her Majesty's Government are committed to the use of British troops to defend Germany in the event of an act of aggression against that country, in the absence of a German contribution to Western defence.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

Until the Treaty establishing the European Defence Community comes into force, Her Majesty's Government are fully committed by the Tripartite Declaration of 19th September, 1950, to treat any attack against the German Federal Republic or Berlin from any quarter as an attack upon themselves. No time limit has been set to the validity of this Declaration, which is in no way dependent upon a German defence contribution.

Mr. Shinwell

Does that apply to the United States?

Mr. Lloyd

That is so.

Mr. Shinwell

In the opinion of the right hon. and learned Gentleman, are the forces available for this purpose adequate?

Mr. Lloyd

That is a very different matter from the Question on the Order Paper.