§ 47. Mr. K. Robinsonasked the Minister of Defence whether the speech of the Chief of Air Staff at Sheffield on 8th September dealing with defence matters was made with his knowledge and approval.
§ Mr. SandysThe Chief of the Air Staff showed me the text of his speech in advance. It contained nothing inconsistent with Government policy.
§ Mr. RobinsonIs the Minister, therefore, saying that it is part of Government policy to take the view that
we are confident we could destroy Russia tomorrow. At the moment they cannot retaliate"?Is he really saying that that is the view of Her Majesty's Government and of the Ministry of Defence?
§ Mr. SandysI understand that that was an impromptu remark—[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."]— I am sorry; I am trying to answer the question— in reply to a question after the Air Marshal's speech. As I think we all know, we do not, in reply to supplementary questions in this House, always put our answers in the most felicitous and diplomatic language. None the less, the fact that he stated is true, and it has been said many times before.
§ Mr. SpeakerMr. George Brown.
§ Mr. ShinwellOn a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Can you give me your guidance on this matter? Do you detect any conspiracy this afternoon to prevent me putting my Question No. 48?
§ Mr. SpeakerNo. I think that we have wasted some time, but I do not think that this was directed against the right hon. Gentleman. I hope now that this will be short, because we are after time. Mr. Brown.
§ Mr. G. BrownWhen the Minister said that the fact is true, that we can hit Russia where we like and she cannot retaliate, did he understand that "we" meant Great Britain or the Western allies?
§ Mr. SandysI assume that he meant the Western allies.