§ Mr. R. T. Paget(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister if he has any statement to make on the Mediterranean naval command.
§ The Prime MinisterI am not at present in a position to make any statement on this subject.
§ Mr. PagetWill the Prime Minister agree that continued American interest in the Mediterranean is vital to us here and it is also vital to our security that the Mediterranean should have an adequate allocation of Atlantic Mediterranean force? Has the right hon. Gentleman seen in the "Daily Express" today, under the banner headline "U.S. Admiral rejected. Britain: We must rule Med" the statement:
Admiral William Fechteler, … will be told at a Defence Ministry round-table conference in Whitehall today that the British Government cannot agree to the appointment of U.S. Admiral Robert B. Carney as Mediterranean Supreme Commander "?Is that statement true and, if it is true, is that likely to maintain American interest in the Mediterranean?
§ The Prime MinisterI think the House will agree that that somewhat lengthy supplementary is fully covered by my original answer.
§ Mr. CallaghanWill the right hon. Gentleman agree to give the House an assurance that his view remains unchanged from 19th April last year when he told us that on high military and 33 national grounds he would prefer an American commander in the Mediterranean?
§ The Prime MinisterMy views—[HoN MEMBERS: "Have changed."] —are a harmonious process which keeps them in relation to the current movement of events.
§ Mr. ShinwellWill the right hon. Gentleman mind addressing himself to the question a little more seriously? Does he not appreciate that this is a very serious matter affecting the naval command of the Mediterranean and determining the status of the British Navy? Does he not recall the occasion of 19th April last year when I, on behalf of the Labour Government—
§ The Prime MinisterGave way on the command of the Atlantic.
§ Mr. ShinwellDoes he not recall that I stated that our intention was to see that we remained in naval control of the Mediterranean and the right hon. Gentleman rejected that view and asserted that it was a proper location for the United States Command? Could he say what is the position of Her Majesty's Government now?
§ The Prime MinisterI thought I had already just said I was not in a position to make a statement on that matter today.
§ Mr. ShinwellAre we to understand that the right hon. Gentleman is going to sell the pass? Do I understand that not only has he changed his mind, but he is going to hand over naval control of the Mediterranean to the United States Government? Is this to be a complete monopoly for the United States?
§ The Prime MinisterI really do not think I have anything to add to what I have said. I am sure the House would not wish me to be provoked by the taunts of an uneasy conscience.
§ Mr. Emrys HughesOn a point of order. For the guidance of the House, Mr. Speaker, is this not a question for the British Transport Commission?
§ Mr. PagetMay I, Mr. Speaker, ask the Prime Minister when we can have a statement and whether there will be an early debate?
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. and learned Gentleman can ask that, but whether he will get an answer I do not know. It seems to me that, as the right hon. Gentle-man has said that he is not in a position to make a statement, further interrogation on this matter would seem to be fruitless.
§ The Prime MinisterI am not quite sure when a statement can be made, because the discussions have only just begun in London. I believe the American admiral proposes to go back to the United States before any final conclusion is reached. I cannot really say what the time-table will be, but naturally the matter is one on which the House would do well to keep itself informed.