HC Deb 06 April 1955 vol 539 cc1161-3
39. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Minister of Defence whether he will make a statement on the decision of the French Government to withdraw two divisions from the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation for service in North Africa; and what will be the effect on the strength of land forces in the west.

Mr. H. Macmillan

During the past few months the situation in North Africa has compelled the French Government to transfer forces to that area from the Continent. This has led to a temporary weakening of certain N.A.T.O. reserve divisions in Central Europe.

Mr. Shinwell

Does the Minister regard this position as satisfactory? Is he aware that General Gruenther has recently made a declaration about the need for strengthening the defence of the West, especially the land forces? Is not this an indication of the weakening of the defence of the West?

Mr. Macmillan

The position is not satisfactory, because of the cause from which it arises, but we have always recognised France's right to use her forces to deal with disturbances in what is, after all, an important N.A.T.O. base.

Mr. Shinwell

Yes, but does it follow from what the Minister was saying that any of the N.A.T.O. countries can at any time withdraw forces for purposes of their own, and thus weaken the defence of the West? Is nothing going to be done to prevent that?

Mr. Macmillan

The right hon. Gentleman will recall that we ourselves, in giving our undertaking to maintain our forces upon the Continent, made it clear that this did not bind us in the event of an acute overseas emergency.

Mr. Chetwynd

Can the Minister say whether this action meets with the general agreement of all the N.A.T.O. forces?

Mr. Macmillan

This action has always been understood to be the right of nations which have overseas commitments, especially in such a case as this, where, as I say, the position of North Africa is an important part of the N.A.T.O. defence system.

40. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Minister of Defence how far the decision of the French Government to reduce the size of their divisions was accepted by the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation; and how far this will be followed by a proportionate reduction in the size of British divisions.

Mr. H. Macmillan

I understand that the French military authorities, like our own, are experimenting with new formations to suit new conditions. I am informed that no final decisions have been taken.

Mr. Shinwell

Is not it true that for some considerable time the French Government have been contemplating a substantial reduction in the size of their divisions? Why is there all this talk about the standardisation of the forces of the West when the French can reduce the size of their divisions while our divisions remain as large as they were before?

Mr. Macmillan

I understand that experiments are to be made this summer with these remodelled divisions, and the result of these experiments will be watched and taken into account in coming to a final decision.