HC Deb 26 March 1958 vol 585 cc427-8
46. Mr. Stonehouse

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what proposals Her Majesty's Government have made to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation for the immediate arming of West German forces with atomic tactical weapons.

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

None, Sir.

Mr. Stonehouse

Is the Minister aware that one of the main reasons given from his own Front Bench for failing to give this House information on foreign policy was the excuse that we had to consult the other members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation? May I ask him, therefore, why there was no consultation with the Secretary of State before General Norstad made his speech suggesting that the Germans should be armed with these weapons? Further, is he aware that there is widespread opposition on both sides of the House to the Germans getting these arms, which will increase tension and not reduce it?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

What, in fact, the hon. Gentleman asked me was whether Her Majesty's Government had made proposals to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation for the immediate arming of West German forces with atomic tactical weapons, and we have made no such suggestion.

Mr. E. Fletcher

Will the Minister say whether or not it is correct, as is being stated, that all the troops under General Norstad's command must be armed with atomic tactical weapons or none of them?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

That does not arise out of this question, but at the N.A.T.O. conference last December, the N.A.T.O. military authorities were requested to submit to the Council at an early date their recommendations on the introduction of these weapons in the common defence. The Council in permanent session will consider the various questions involved. These recommendations have not yet been made by the N.A.T.O. military authorities, so it does not arise yet.