HC Deb 02 December 1953 vol 521 cc1129-30
2. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs under what agreements member Governments of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation may move on their own initiative troops placed by them under the operational control of the Supreme Commander of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation forces.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

The member Governments of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation have concluded no agreements which debar them in peace-time from moving on their own initiative, in order to meet what they consider to be a national emergency, troops placed by them under the Supreme Allied Commander.

Mr. Henderson

Does that reply mean that British divisions could be moved from Germany without consulting the Supreme Commander and without any obligation to replace them with equivalent formations?

Mr. Lloyd

No, Sir.

Mr. Shinwell

Then what does it mean? Are we to understand that, as one of the member countries has removed some of its forces from under the control of the Supreme Commander, the United Kingdom forces could be removed without consultation with the North Atlantic Treaty Council?

Mr. Lloyd

This matter is governed both by the North Atlantic Treaty and by certain agreements entered into at Brussels in 1950, and in our view therefore it certainly would not be possible for us to act in the way described by the right hon. Gentleman.

Mr. Shinwell

In that event, wild the right hon. and learned Gentleman explain why it is that one of the member nations, a signatory to the North Atlantic Treaty, has removed troops from under the control of the Supreme Commander—the case of Italy?

Mr. Lloyd

I am certainly not responsible for the actions of another Government. I have endeavoured to state the position.

Mr. Shinwell

This is a very important matter, and I think we should have the point clarified. If the right hon. and learned Gentleman does not know the answer, he ought to tell us. Will he say whether, if one country, a signatory to the Treaty, can remove its troops from under the control of the Supreme Commander, there is anything to prevent United Kingdom troops from being removed?

Mr. Lloyd

The right hon. Gentleman has missed out of his last question the matter of consultation.