HC Deb 25 February 1953 vol 511 cc2088-9
46. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement on the steps taken to secure co-ordination between the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and the Australian, New Zealand and United States Pact Organisation.

The Prime Minister

I am not in a position to make any statement on this subject at the present time.

Mr. Henderson

I appreciate what the right hon. Gentleman has said, but has his attention been drawn to the public statement made only a few days ago by Lord Ismay, stressing the need for co-ordination between these two international organisations and stating that the business of N.A.T.O. could only be done on a global basis? Would he agree that that is a correct statement of the position and may we take it that this suggestion is regarded as a matter of urgency and importance, even though the right hon. Gentleman cannot make a detailed statement today?

The Prime Minister

I have not yet seen the statement of Lord Ismay but, as read out by the right hon. and learned Gentleman, it sounds very good. I like it. These matters are being very carefully considered and I think there would be a very general consensus of opinion in this House on what we should like to happen. Whether it will happen or not, I cannot tell.

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