HC Deb 07 March 1960 vol 619 cc17-8
18. Mr. R. Edwards

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what information he has received regarding the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation's recent exercise, Big Deal, by the Portuguese and United States air forces on 9th and 10th February, for the defence of the Iberian peninsula.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

That was not a North Atlantic Treaty Organisation exercise.

Mr. Edwards

The information is that there was an important exercise for the defence of Western Europe outside the control of N.A.T.O. in which forces of the Portuguese, American and Spanish Armies participated. Is not it an important matter for this Parliament that the defence of the West is supported by Fascist forces which do not accept de- mocratic principles? Does this mean that West Europe is now expendable up to the Spanish Pyrenees?

Mr. Lloyd

I do not think that any of the inferences drawn by the hon. Member are correct.