HC Deb 04 June 1962 vol 661 cc7-8
2. Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Lord Privy Seal what action has been taken within the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation regarding the use, by a United States publishing corporation, of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation title and insignia for a private periodical.

Mr. P. Thomas

I assume that my hon. Friend is referring to a periodical published in the United States of America called NATO Journal. This publication carries the N.A.T.O. emblem, coloured variously in different issues, on its cover, although the journal is, I understand, entirely unofficial and in no way sponsored by the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation or by any N.A.T.O. member Government. Her Majesty's Government regrets this use of the N.A.T.O. insignia by a private commercial publication in a way which may lead to confusion about the origin of the magazine: but there is at present no copyright in the N.A.T.O. insignia, flag or device.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

Is my hon. Friend aware that the Remsen-Whitney Publishing Corporation, by the use of this journal, frequently attacks British products and British policy? Does my hon. Friend recall that in its March number it said that the British as usual, are the greatest sinners in trading with the enemies of the Western world? What action does the Foreign Office proposed to take with our N.A.T.O. allies to put an end to this abuse?

Mr. Thomas

I am afraid that I was not aware of the contents of this journal, but perhaps I can say that until the April issue a note indicating the journal's unofficial status was contained in the title page. This was omitted from the April issue and I understand that the N.A.T.O. secretariat is considering what steps could be taken to have it restored. As to the other matters, I am afraid that we have no control over the contents of the journal.

Mr. H. Wilson

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that we welcome what he said deprecating the use of this insignia by this organisation? Is he further aware that this magazine, which some of us receive without asking for it, exists purely to carry very expensive lush advertisements by arms firms particularly from the United States of America and certain parts of Western Europe? Will he consider making representations to the United States Government about this practice?

Mr. Thomas

The existence of this publication and its contents are, of course, well known to the United States authorities.