§ 15. Sir F. Medlicottasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if it was with his authority that the British Ambassador, Sir Christopher Steel, in a broadcast on 22nd May from Western Germany, stated that the United States contingents stationed, with British contingents, in the heart of Great Britain, would make Great Britain one of the first targets of a Soviet atomic attack; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreYes, Sir. The Ambassador was making the point that Britain furnishes an important contingent to the atomic striking forces of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and that these forces, both British and American, are largely stationed here. Her Majesty's Government are well aware that the atomic bases, both British and American, would be one of the first targets in the event of war, but we are determined to maintain them because we believe that they represent a potent guarantee that no one will risk aggression. We regard them as a major contribution to the safety of the North Atlantic Alliance. It is one which those of our critics who are inclined to measure that contribution solely in terms of conventional forces would do well to value at its true worth.
§ Sir F. MedlicottIs my right hon. Friend aware that for nearly one hundred years certain types of people in this country have been obsessed with the fear of an attack by Russia either on this country or on some other part of the British Empire? Is not it time that these fears were shaken off and that people in responsible positions, especially those who should use the language of diplomacy, should be discouraged from making statements of this kind which can do nothing whatever to place our relationships with Russia upon a more sensible and stable basis?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreI do not think that that little lecture about history is very relevant to what the Ambassador said, which has been said by many people in this House and from both sides of the House, and which I should have thought was supported by everybody in this House.