§ 42. Mr. Woodburnasked the Prime Minister whether, in order to avoid misunderstanding which might prejudice his efforts to relieve world tension, he will take steps to ensure that the speeches of officers and other ranks in Her Majesty's Forces shall be exercised with restraint in a manner which will not conflict with Government policy.
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. I see no reason for any special steps. As my right hon. Friend the Minister of Defence explained on 15th December, 1959, officers of the three services are already required to seek permission from the Minister of their Service before making public statements on matters bearing on their service.
§ Mr. WoodburnDoes this not apply to field-marshals who, I understand, are theoretically still serving officers? Are Lord Montgomery's speeches universally helpful to the right hon. Gentleman in his international negotiations, and would not it be possible delicately to suggest to Field-Marshal Montgomery that his estimate of great men is not necessarily final and the last word of wisdom?
§ The Prime MinisterField-marshals have always been accepted as being in a somewhat special category.