HC Deb 14 December 1960 vol 632 cc386-8
12. Mr. Warbey

asked the Secretary of State for War what facilities will be provided by his Department for the training of German troops in the United Kingdom.

13. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for War his latest arrangements for training German troops in Great Britain; and what expenditure he proposes to incur for this purpose.

15. Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will make a statement about the training of German troops in Great Britain: and when they will arrive.

Mr. Profumo

There are six German officers on Army training courses in this country. The cost of the training is borne by the Federal German Government. Apart from individual training of this sort, no arrangements have been made for the training of German troops in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Warbey

What new facilities have been offered? Secondly, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the British people will welcome the Germans here as civilians but not in uniform? Further, will he oppose the highly provocative appointment of the organiser of Hitler's campaign against Russia to the highest post in N.A.T.O.?

Mr. Profumo

The last part of that supplementary question goes so wide of the Question that I cannot answer it. In any event, it would be a question for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Defence.

Mr. Hughes

Can the Minister tell us whether he has received a telegram from Rudolph Hess in Spandau Prison warmly congratulating him on his decision to have German officers here and offering to become commander-in-chief?

Mr. Profumo

No. I should point out to the hon. Member that it is not only German officers whom we have here. Other officers and other ranks of foreign countries belonging to N.A.T.O. are being trained in this country. We must regard the N.A.T.O. alliance as an alliance and not as individual people.

Mr. Allaun

Has this step been discussed? Since the Minister of Defence evaded the point in a Written Answer which he gave to me on Monday, will the right hon. Gentleman now give the House an assurance that these troops will not be trained, even if it is requested, with missiles or nuclear weapons?

Mr. Profumo

The best way I can cover the hon. Member's supplementary question is to say that this problem would arise only after a recommendation of the N.A.T.O. Military Committee, and after that being endorsed by the N.A.T.O. Council.

Vice-Admiral Hughes Hallett

Is my right hon. Friend aware that those supplementary questions give a quite misleading impression of public opinion in this country, and that experience has shown that soldiers, sailors and airmen make very good ambassadors and are a very good influence for improving relations between countries?

Mr. Mayhew

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that no one has any imputation to make whatsoever—[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."]—no one is suggesting that these young German trainees, the oldest of whom would have been at school during the war, share any blame whatever for Hitler's crimes? But is he also aware that there are many people in this country who are reminded by the new German Army, rationally or otherwise, of the old German Army, and for that reason there should be very strong practical reasons before bringing those people for training in this way?

Mr. Profumo

Perhaps I may take this opportunity to congratulate the hon. Member for Woolwich, East (Mr. Mayhew) on his promotion and say that at least he will have the respect of our side of the House, and, I hope, of his side, too. [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."] I think that it is traditional to say that. Even if hon. Members opposite do not wish to do that, I certainly want to do so. I accept what the hon. Member says and I hope that I have made it perfectly plain that these are our allies. There are safeguards and no question arises at the moment.