§ 42. Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Lord Privy Seal if he will state the policy of Her Majesty's Government regarding the creation of a North Atlantic Treaty Organisation force armed with nuclear weapons.
§ Mr. HeathThe North Atlantic Council is conducting a general review of strategy in the course of which it will no doubt consider suggestions of this kind. I would not wish to anticipate these discussions by making a statement now.
§ Mr. AllaunI appreciate that, but is it not vital that a ban on the spread of nuclear weapons should apply to N.A.T.O., as otherwise the West German generals would indirectly obtain them, 503 including 100 Polaris missiles? Can the Lord Privy Seal ensure that Britain opposes any such move at the N.A.T.O. Ministers' Meeting starting on 1st May?
§ Mr. HeathI know of no proposal that the control of such weapons should be given to other countries. The arrangements are the "key of the cupboard" arrangements by which they remain under American control.