§ 27. Miss Vickersasked the Minister of Defence, in view of the statement made in Command Paper No. 1915, whether he has discussed with our allies in the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, The South-East Asia Treaty Organisation and the Australia, New Zealand and United States Pact what should be the role of these organizations in the future.
§ Mr. ThorneycroftThe North Atlantic Council is now considering how best to take advantage of the offer, conceived at Nassau, to add strategic weapons for the first time to N.A.T.O.'s armoury. The Nassau arrangements will in no way reduce Britain's ability to meet her obligations to her S.E.A.T.O. allies and no changes are contemplated in the role of that organisation. The United Kingdom is not a member of the A.N.Z.U.S. pact.
§ Miss VickersIn view of the fact that we are tending to reconsider our defence policy, will it not be necessary to make further arrangements with N.A.T.O. and S.E.A.T.O.?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftPerhaps we could develop these points in the debate. For the moment I do not think this will affect our obligations in any way under S.E.A.T.O.