HC Deb 10 May 1954 vol 527 c825
6. Mr. Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that 478 former Wehrmacht officers have taken part in military training courses in the United States of America; that during April 260 more officers will leave for courses in the United States of America and that in June and July 3,400 noncommissioned officers will be sent on such courses; that these activities have taken and are taking place prior to the Treaties permitting the establishment of a German Army being ratified; and if he will protest to the West German Government.

The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Anthony Nutting)

I have made careful inquiries in Bonn and Washington from which it appears that the facts given in the first three parts of the hon. Member's statement are without foundation. The last part of the Question cannot, therefore, arise.

Mr. Lewis

While thanking the hon. Gentleman for that reply, and being pleased to learn that the statement contained in the Munich weekly newspaper "Deutsche Woche" of 7th April is incorrect, can I assume that the hon. Gentleman will suggest to the Bonn Government that it would be as well if they maintained this attitude of not in any way militarising Germany?

Mr. Nutting

No, Sir. As the Bonn Government are not guilty of contravening the Bonn Convention or any other treaty to which they have set their name, I see no reason to ask them not to do so.

Sir H. Williams

Having regard to the terms of the Question and answer, may I ask what is the significance of the statement that an hon. Member is responsible for the accuracy of the statements made in his Question?

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