HC Deb 18 February 1959 vol 600 cc344-5
26. Mr. J. Hynd

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, in view of the unanimous protest passed by the Dortmund City Council against the projected establishment of a British military rocket base within the city limits, what steps he proposes to take to protect our troops against the possibility of further seious demonstrations from the local population.

Mr. R. Allan

None, Sir. The Federal Government have agreed to the stationing of the regiment at Dortmund.

Mr. Hynd

Will the Minister tell the House what are the respective degrees of responsibility between Her Majesty's Government and the German Federal Government for siting this base? Is not it the case that Lord Ismay made a declaration only recently to the effect that no regiment would be placed in or near industrial towns? Is not it also the case that the German Federal Parliament, as recently as February, 1957, passed a unanimous resolution declaring that no such stations would be placed in or near heavily populated towns?

Mr. Allan

That is a matter for the Federal Government to decide and they have agreed to the placing of this regiment there.

Mr. G. Brown

Since our troops are now there in a difficult situation, is the hon. Gentleman taking steps to put the responsibility for the protection of our troops firmly upon the Federal German Government?

Mr. Allan

I think that we can take it that the Federal Government are perfectly aware of their responsibility and that our troops are not in an impossible position. There has been one incident, after which the burgomaster told the commanding officer of the regiment that no demonstrations were made against his troops.

Mr. Hynd

Is it the case that Herr Strauss himself protested against this siting and, therefore, how can the right hon. Gentleman say that the Federal Government are entirely responsible?

Mr. Allan

It is the decision of the Federal Government.