HC Deb 23 June 1969 vol 785 cc982-3
10. Mr. Biffen

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals he has to strengthen military and economic co-operation with Greece within the framework of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.

Mr. Mulley

None, Sir. But in the communiqué issued after their meeting last month the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation's Defence Ministers referred to plans for the improvement of local forces in the Mediterranean area. These plans, which are confidential, are a matter for the collective decision of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation as a whole.

Mr. Biffen

In view of the widespread knowledge that the Greeks are seeking suppliers of frigates for N.A.T.O. use, does not the right hon. Gentleman owe it to the House of Commons to indicate whether or not this is business which the Government would welcome?

Mr. Mulley

We have not received a request for an export licence for the sale of frigates or any major item of military equipment to Greece. As my right hon. Friend said last week, we consider such requests in the N.A.T.O. context, but, as a matter of fact, since the coup d'état of 1967 we have made no significant supplies of arms to Greece.

Mr. Heffer

In view of the fact that the requirement of N.A.T.O. is to protect freedom and democracy, would not my right hon. Friend agree that this could hardly be the policy pursued by the present Greek Government, and would not he also agree that the whole matter of Greece's future in N.A.T.O. must be looked at in the same way as it will be in relation to the Council of Europe following the Report of the Commission of Human Rights?

Mr. Mulley

I think that these are two quite distinct questions, and as far as I know no member country of N.A.T.O. has suggested that Greece should be expelled from N.A.T.O.

Mr. Wood

May I press the right hon. Gentleman further on the question asked by my hon. Friend the Member for Oswestry (Mr. Biffen). In view of the great importance of Greece to N.A.T.O., is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to look favourably on any request that the Government may make for arms for their country?

Mr. Mulley

I think that one has to examine carefully any requests when they are received, but, as I have said, we have had no requests for an export licence for any of these items.