HC Deb 17 June 1959 vol 607 cc417-8
11. Mr. Hale

asked the Minister of Defence to what extent it is proposed to maintain the headquarters of the Supreme Command in Europe in France.

Mr. Sandys

I know of no proposal to make any change.

Mr. Hale

Is the Minister aware that with the whole French Army in Algeria, with the Continental forces in embryo, with the German Army in futuro and only a limited amount of British and American Forces in a state of preparedness, we are hopelessly overwhelmed on land? In those circumstances, the frightening and terrifying thing is that the military argument for the use of thermonuclear strategic and technical weapons in that exposed position becomes terribly strong and the pressure for the precipitation of a world suicide may arise from this situation?

Mr. Sandys

I do not know to where the hon. Gentleman would wish to transfer the headquarters, but it does not seem to have very much to do with the Question.

Mr. Hale

I would do away with them.