HC Deb 06 May 1957 vol 569 cc635-6
51. Mr. Grimond

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what consultations took place between Her Majesty's Government and the Government of the United States of America before the movement of the United States Mediterranean Fleet to Beirut, in view of the fact that this fleet forms part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation force.

64. Mr. S. O. Davies

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the sanction of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation was obtained to the movement of the United States Sixth Fleet to the eastern Mediterranean and to the landing of United States marines in Lebanon in view of the fact that these United States units form part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation's forces.

Mr. Ian Harvey

The United States Sixth Fleet is exclusively under national command in peacetime and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation sanction is not required for its moves, but we have been in close touch with the United States Government over recent developments in the Middle East and were informed in advance of the fleet movement.

Mr. Grimond

If the Government were, in fact, informed of this movement, will the Joint Under-Secretary say why the American Fleet went to Beirut?

Mr. Harvey

If the American Fleet wishes to go to Beirut and has its own independent arrangements, it is perfectly entitled to do so.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Have Her Majesty's Government warned the American Government that if there is an unnecessary display of armed force in this area oil pipelines may be cut again?

Mr. Harvey

There is no necessity for Her Majesty's Government to tender such obvious information to anybody.

Hon. Members

Oh.

Air Commodore Harvey

Did Her Majesty's Navy pass any signal to the United States Sixth Fleet while it was en route?

Mr. Harvey

That is a matter for my right hon. Friend the First Lord of the Admiralty.

Mr. Bevan

Since when has it been obvious to Her Majesty's Government that a display of armed force might result in the cutting of an oil pipeline?

Mr. Harvey

That is another question —[HON. MEMBERS: "Is it confidential?"]—but the mere movement of a fleet is not necessarily a display of armed force.