§ 9. Mr. de Freitasasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has now had discussions with the United States and French Governments as to the military and political steps they will take to prevent the formation by the Federal German Republic of national armed forces.
§ Mr. NuttingNo, Sir, for the reasons given in my reply to the hon. Gentleman on 14th April.
§ Mr. de FreitasIs the hon. Gentleman aware that one of the purposes of E.D.C. was to prevent the emergence of a German national army? As it is at least possible that E.D.C. will not be set up, should not these important discussions be held in good time?
§ Mr. NuttingI am aware of what the E.D.C. Treaty seeks to do, but I do not regard it as my duty, and the Government do not regard it as their duty, to anticipate the result of a debate which I hope will be taking place shortly in the French Chamber regarding the ratification of the E.D.C. Treaty.