HC Deb 15 May 1956 vol 552 c1824
49. Mr. Remnant

asked the Secretary of State for War for what purpose and under what agreements the ten Syrian, Israeli and Egyptian officers are receiving instruction at War Department establishments.

Mr. F. Maclean

This instruction depends on no formal agreement. It has long been our policy to offer courses at military establishments to friendly States with the object of furthering good relations.

Mr. Remnant

Will my hon. Friend explain why he classifies some of these countries as friendly States? Would it not be infinitely better to stop receiving their officers and training them in war until they have changed their attitude towards this country?

Mr. Maclean

If some of these countries are not as friendly as they might be, possibly the effect of these courses will be to make them more friendly.