§ 41. Mr. Donnellyasked the Prime Minister what is the nature of the communication he has had with Dr. Adenauer regarding the training of German forces in the United Kingdom.
§ The Prime MinisterDiscussions between Heads of Government are confidential. But as my right hon. Friend the Minister of Defence reminded the House yesterday, there has recently been a meeting of experts in Paris, under the auspices of N.A.T.O., to deal with the question of what help we can give to the German forces. No final decisions have yet been taken.
§ Mr. DonnellyAs my constituency has been mentioned as a possible training ground for these forces and as my constituents have been subjected to a propaganda campaign, a combined campaign from both gentlemen behind the Iron Curtain and gentlemen of the British Communist Party who have come to the area by train, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is little or no support for these running attacks of racial hate in Pembroke but that—
§ Mr. Ellis SmithWho started two world wars? Were you in the war?
§ Mr. DonnellyYes, I was in the war. Were you? Nevertheless—
§ Mr. Ellis SmithI know who are your friends.
§ Mr. Donnelly—we require information as to what is required of us and what the reasons are for this proposal?
§ The Prime MinisterI am glad to hear what the hon. Member has said, but I cannot give any information because we have not got down to details yet.
§ Mr. S. SilvermanWill the right hon. Gentleman explain why he considers it necessary to proceed with a proposal which cannot be essential and which is offensive to many people in this country? If the Germans require further space than they now have at their disposal for training their troops, could we not place at their disposal the space now occupied by our troops, bringing those troops home?
§ The Prime MinisterThe hon. Member rather over-simplifies the problem. It is not merely a question of space. These are special facilities in which we may be able to help.