HC Deb 21 February 1961 vol 635 c310
43. Mr. Woodburn

asked the Prime Minister what proposals he will make to President Kennedy for the creation of a political authority to control the military and diplomatic activities of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.

The Prime Minister

None, Sir, beyond the present organisation, that is, the North Atlantic Council.

Mr. Woodburn

Does not the Prime Minister agree that a Europe divided into two economic groups with no political head of this organisation creates a very great disadvantage from the point of view of co-ordinated activities? Would it not be better from the public point of view if there were a political head of the N.A.T.O. authority?

The Prime Minister

Yes, Sir, but I must remind the right hon. Gentleman that N.A.T.O. goes beyond Europe. It includes both Canada and the United States.