§ 10. Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Lord Privy Seal if his attention has been drawn to the recent statement by General Heusinger that the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation front-line units must have tactical nuclear weapons; and if he will oppose this proposal within the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Council.
§ Mr. HeathI have seen the statement in question. It is already accepted North Atlantic Treaty Organisation strategy that the Shield forces should be equipped with nuclear weapons for tactical use. The second part of the Question does not, therefore, arise.
§ Mr. AllaunDoes not this proposal enormously increase the danger of war for two reasons; first, since the warheads would be stored alongside the weapons in times of emergency, the front line commander could wrongly give the order to fire; and secondly, would it not mean that those commanders whose fingers would be on the trigger would include former Nazi officers such as General Heusinger himself?
§ Mr. HeathNo, Sir. The decision to use these weapons is a political one and the warheads are, of course, under American custody.