HC Deb 16 July 1953 vol 517 c2246
49. Mr. Hale

asked the Prime Minister what ranks of Her Majesty's Forces are authorised to deliver ultimata to representatives of other independent nations; and what previous references to the United Nations organisation are made in these cases.

Mr. Butler

None, Sir. The second part of the Question does not therefore arise.

Mr. Hale

Is not this a somewhat surprising answer, in view of the fact that every newspaper in London referred on Monday to the document as an ultimatum and that it continued to be so referred to until the Minister of State's démenti yesterday?

Mr. Butler

It might involve a little originality of thought to call it a warning.