HC Deb 09 July 1953 vol 517 cc1485-7
47. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make about the recent changes in the senior posts, land and air, at Supreme Headquarters, Allied Forces in Europe.

Mr. R. A. Butler

Yes, Sir, the first is the establishment of a Commander-in-Chief in the Central European Sector, with co-equal subordinate army, air and naval commands. This is the organisation which already exists in the Northern and Southern European commands. The second is that wider responsibilities are to be given to the Deputy Supreme Commander, Air, at S.H.A.P.E.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Basil Embry will take over from General Norstad as Commander of all the tactical air forces in the Central Sector, and the latter will relieve Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Saunders who has been Air Deputy at S.H.A.P.E. for the past two years.

These changes were naturally approved by Her Majesty's Government, and we consider that they will provide a sounder military command organisation on the Continent.

Mr. Henderson

Is it not a fact that, when recent changes took place in the appointments of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief and Chief of Staff, an American officer succeeded an American officer? Why is it that, in the case of the Air Deputy, a British officer was succeeded by an American officer? Are there no British air marshals capable of discharging the functions of Air Deputy, or does this new appointment argue a great decline in our influence and in the esteem in which we are held by other countries with whom we are in friendly contact?

Mr. Butler

Not at all. While we have lost the Air Deputy post, a British officer has taken over from an American as Commander of Tactical Air Forces, Central Europe, and I would further remind the House that the following offices are held by Britishers: Deputy Supreme Allied Commander, Europe; C.-in-C., Northern Area; C.-in-C., Mediterranean; Commander, Naval Forces, Northern Europe; Commander. Northern Army Group; and Commander of the Second Allied Tactical Air Force.

Mr. Henderson

Does not the Chancellor agree that, in the case of the French marshal, he has been given greater responsibility; in the case of the American air general, he has been given greater responsibility; and, in the case of the British officer—a very distinguished officer—he has been given an appointment which is of lesser rank than that occupied by Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Saunders?

Mr. Butler

I think it is quite right to put these matters forward, but, if the right hon. and learned Gentleman takes into consideration the statement that I have made about the air side, and other offices which we hold, I think he will see that we are really in a satisfactory position.

Mr. Shinwell

Does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that it is precisely because Air Chief Marshal Sir Basil Embry has been appointed to a subordinate post in the Central Sector, instead of a British air marshal being appointed to the post formerly held by Sir Hugh Saunders, that we complain; and is he also aware, in regard to the Deputy Supreme Commander, Field Marshal Lord Montgomery, that it is reported that he is due to retire at the end of the year, and that that will leave Marshal Juin in charge of all land forces from Scandinavia to the Mediterranean and the Middle East, and will also leave Marshal Juin in command of all French forces? Is that a satisfactory set-up in S.H.A.P.E.?

Mr. Butler

We had better deal with the latter part of the right hon. Gentleman question when we reach it. In regard to the former part, I do not believe that there is anything derogatory to Britain in the arrangements that have been made.

Brigadier Medlicott

While not wishing to raise any question at all in regard to nationalities, which would be very undesirable, can we have an assurance that, in the event of any emergency arising in the forseeable future, arrangements will be made so that the vital services of Lord Montgomery may be made available on the highest level?

An Hon. Member

Put him in the Government.

Mr. Butler

I think that the services of Lord Montgomery are fully appreciated by the Government and the House, and my hon. and gallant Friend may feel sure that the utmost use will be made of them.