§ 18. Mr. Roebuckasked the Secretary of State for Defence what guidance he gives to assist British officers serving with the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation in deciding how to comply with North Atlantic Treaty Organisation practices and procedures where these are in conflict with or differ from Queen's Regulations.
§ Mr. ReynoldsOfficers must habitually exercise discretion and seek advice when they are acting in a dual capacity. I do not think that any formal guidance is necessary.
§ Mr. RoebuckIs it not a fact that officers serving with N.A.T.O. are required to use every opportunity to express the point of view of that Organisation and cannot my right hon. Friend see the possibility of embarrassment being caused? Would he agree that it is undesirable and contrary to our 399 traditions for serving officers to express political views in public, even in the columns of The Times?
§ Mr. ReynoldsIt is contrary to the normal traditions in the British Services, but British Service officers holding N.A.T.O. appointments have a directive from N.A.T.O. as well. They have to use their discretion and work out one against the other.
§ Mr. Eldon GriffithsIs the Minister aware that many of us consider that General Sir John Hackett performed a useful public service in drawing attention to the dangers of running down N.A.T.O.? What answer has the Minister to make to the alarm and anxieties which the general so clearly expressed?
§ Mr. ReynoldsI do not detect any particular alarm and anxiety.
§ Mr. RoebuckOn a point of order. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I beg to give notice that I shall seek leave to raise the matter on the Adjournment.