§ 47. Mr. Shinwellasked the Prime Minister whether the official statement by General Ridgway that the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation forces are unable to withstand a full scale offensive is receiving the urgent consideration of the Government; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir, but I doubt if the grave and complex issues raised could be dealt with satisfactorily to the House at Question time.
§ Mr. ShinwellThe right hon. Gentleman, then, does admit that the position is disquieting?
§ The Prime MinisterWhat is the exact admission which the right hon. Gentleman is endeavouring to secure from me?
§ Mr. ShinwellThe statement that General Ridgway made about the inadequacy of defence organisation.
§ The Prime MinisterGeneral Ridgway is not under our orders, and he is perfectly entitled to make whatever statements he thinks fit. We are bound to consider what he says.
§ Mr. ShinwellDo I understand that, although General Ridgway is not under the orders of the United Kingdom Government, though we have some responsibility in the matter, the right hon. Gentleman's Government intends to consider what General Ridgway said?
§ The Prime MinisterWe are considering the matter most carefully, but it would 736 not be capable of being dealt with at Question time.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerIs it not the fact that General Ridgway is responsible to the Council of N.A.T.O., which ought to judge the matters dealt with in his last statement?
§ The Prime MinisterWe must not judge the general position simply by these conditions on the Western front. There is also the atomic bomb, in which the United States possesses an enormous advantage. That would be taken into consideration, too.