HC Deb 17 February 1954 vol 523 cc1953-5
13. Mr. Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will give an assurance that Her Majesty's Government will not support or assist in any way a rearmed Germany, where these any way a re-armed Germany, where these armed forces contain Nazis or former Nazis.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

Our Treaty with the countries belonging to the European Defence Community will oblige us to give assistance in the event of an armed attack upon any of them. The best safeguard against a revival of Nazi or militaristic principles in Germany is the European Defence Community in which a German defence contribution will be integrated. It would be unrealistic to require that every soldier in the German contribution should be free from all past Nazi connections, and none of the four occupying Powers has applied this principle in connection with other branches of the public service.

Mr. Lewis

That surely means that a Nazi can join the German Army. Am I to assume that if a person had Nazi connections in the past or has them at the present time, he would, in fact, be permitted to join the German Army, and that Her Majesty's Government would not object in any way?

Mr. Lloyd

I think that something would depend upon rank. It is laid down in the arrangements for the E.D.C. Treaty that senior appointments for the E.D.C. forces would be a matter for the Community itself.

Brigadier Medlicott

Surely we should remember that it was less than nine years ago that we were fighting for our lives against the Nazis, and that we must neglect no means of ensuring that the people who believe in this detestable doctrine shall never again regain power and control?

Mr. Lloyd

I entirely agree with my hon. and gallant Friend, but we also have to see that we do not create conditions in which Nazism arises again.

Mr. Warbey

There is a Question on the Order Paper today in my name addressed to the Foreign Secretary and it has been put down in the wrong place. It is for Written answer but it should have been for Oral answer.

[To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the policy of Her Majesty's Government with regard to the right of an all-German Government, before and after the conclusion of a peace treaty enabling them to defend themselves, to form and maintain national armed forces without limit as to size, type or armament, and the right to import or to manufacture any type of military weapon.]

I tabled it for Oral answer on Monday, but as I already had three Questions down for Oral answer it was put down for Written answer. During Question time on Monday I went to the Table and asked that it be deferred until today for Oral answer. In these circumstances, may I have an Oral answer now?

Mr. Speaker

I cannot possibly allow that now. I do not know what happened.

Mr. Warbey

In view of the fact that there has been some misunderstanding or mistake, may I appeal to the Minister to answer the Question, which he can do by your leave, Mr. Speaker, and by leave of the House?

Mr. Speaker

I could not allow that. I must inquire into the facts.