§ 45. Mr. S. O. Daviesasked the Prime Minister if, in view of the policy announced by President Eisenhower in regard to United States military intervention in the Middle East and the possibility of a third world war arising therefrom, he will immediately cause to be removed from British soil all members of the United States armed forces and thereby lessen the danger of Britain being involved.
§ The Secretary of State for the Home Department and Lord Privy Seal (Mr. R. A. Butler)I have been asked to reply.
No, Sir.
§ Mr. DaviesWould not the right hon. Gentleman regard the intervention of the United States in the Middle East as being fraught with extreme danger to world peace? Is it not time that the Government decided to remove the principal bases of the United States forces from British soil?
§ Mr. ButlerNo, Sir. The policy announced by the President envisages the use of American forces in the Middle East solely to protect Middle Eastern countries and
against overt armed aggression from any nation controlled by international Communism,and then only at the desire of the nation attacked. Therefore, far from provoking war, the purpose of this policy is to prevent it; and the United States forces in the United Kingdom are part of the deterrent against war.
§ Captain PilkingtonShould we in this country not feel considerably more secure if we were not flanked by Mr. Dulles?
§ Mr. S. SilvermanCould the right hon. Gentleman in any way clarify this curious phrase:
… armed aggression from any nation controlled by international Communism"?Are we to understand that, if there were an aggression committed anywhere by national Communism, that would be all right?
§ Mr. ButlerWell, Sir, I cannot answer on behalf of another Government.
§ Mr. E. FletcherDoes not the Lord Privy Seal agree that the presence of United States bases here involves this country in additional risks? Is it not, therefore, reasonable that we should ask the United States for far more assistance and information with regard to defence against atomic weapons than we are getting at present?
§ Mr. ButlerI do not doubt that the visit of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Defence to the United States of America will be very valuable in this and many other regards.
§ Mr. DoughtyIs not the presence of the United States bases in this country not only for their protection but for ours as well, and for our mutual advantage?
§ Mr. ButlerYes, Sir.