HC Deb 30 July 1952 vol 504 cc1481-2
46. Mr. Wyatt

asked the Prime Minister whether he will now make his promised statement on the appointment of a British Deputy Chief of Staff to General Mark Clark.

The Prime Minister

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement made in the House on Monday.

Mr. Wyatt

Is the Prime Minister aware that the emphasis that was placed on the fact that General Shoosmith ceases to be a British officer and becomes an American staff officer when he arrives at General Mark Clark's headquarters, has overthrown all hopes that this arrangement would result in improved consultation? Is the right hon. Gentleman further aware that the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Defence said that one of General Shoosmith's jobs would be to give British reactions to General Mark Clark? How is he to do that if he is not entitled to contact his Government to find out what British reactions are? Why cannot General Shoosmith have the same contact with his Government as General Mark Clark has with his?

The Prime Minister

I do not wish to add to the answer I have given.