HC Deb 25 June 1969 vol 785 cc1497-9
35. Mr. Boston

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the meeting of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Defence Planning Committee in Brussels.

Mr. John Morris

The results of the meeting of the Defence Planning Committee in Ministerial session on 28th May, which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence attended, are set out in the official communiqué, which I will, with permission, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Boston

Would my hon. Friend accept that many people will share his concern about the regrettable decision of the Canadian Government to withdraw unilaterally from Europe? Could he say what effect that is likely to have on the prospects of mutual force reductions? Can he specify what further consideration is being given to an approach to the new French Government, to get them back into N.A.T.O.?

Mr. Morris

Dealing with the Canadian position, this proposal by them, as I said earlier, is to convert and reduce their forces, not, as I understand it, to withdraw. They have a brigade group there. This issue is still to be determined. As for the French, it was a French decision to withdraw their forces in 1966 from the Alliance. We regretted it at the time and would welcome the return of France to play a full part in the affairs of N.A.T.O. This is a matter for France herself.

Mr. Eldon Griffiths

Regarding co-operation with France, can the hon. Gentleman confirm that Admiral Le Fanu was most warmly welcomed at the French Government's submarine missile station? Would he accept that an Anglo-French nuclear entente would be a very helpful step towards the European profile which the Government wish to see in N.A.T.O. and which might open the door to the Common Market?

Mr. Morris

I am not able to comment on Admiral Le Fanu's moves, but I am sure that he would be generally welcome wherever he went. On the second point, I repeat that we would welcome the return of France to play a full part in the affairs of the North Atlantice Alliance.

Following is the official communiqué:

The Defence Planning Committee of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation met in ministerial session on Wednesday, 28th May, 1969.

2. Ministers reviewed the general situation as it has developed since their last meeting, and took account of the continued strengthening of Soviet military and naval power and its current deployment. They noted the status of certain qualitative improvements undertaken by N.A.T.O. countries arising out of previous decisions.

3. Ministers recalled the need for cohesion and solidarity in the alliance and confirmed that the continued effectiveness of collective defence is a stabilising factor and a necessary condition for effective détente policies. They reaffirmed the validity of the current N.A.T.O. strategy based on forward defence and appropriate response to any aggression. This requires a credible conventional and nuclear deterrent, including the strategic nuclear deterrent force—the presence of substantial high quality, flexible and mobile North American and European conventional forces in addition to supporting tactical nuclear forces in the European area—an effective overall maritime posture—and adequate ready reinforcements. They reaffirmed their continuing determination to make appropriate contributions on a collective basis to support this strategy and to ensure that the overall military capability of N.A.T.O. should not be reduced except as part of a pattern of mutual force reductions balanced in scope and timing.

4. In the light of the above, and taking account on the one hand of the increased level of defence expenditure of the Warsaw Pact and on the other of the need to maintain economic growth and financial and social stability, ministers gave guidance to the N.A.T.O. military authorities within the framework of which they will make their proposals for the level, quality and posture of the N.A.T.O. defence forces for the period 1971–75 On the assumption of a moderate overall increase in defence expenditure ministers emphasised the need to improve the effectiveness of N.A.T.O.'s forces and in particular their conventional capability, flexibility and mobility. They underlined the importance of increased efficiency and of greater co-operation among members of the Alliance in order that the resources available for defence may be used to the best effect. In particular they stressed the need for intensifying co-operative approaches for research and the production of armaments and their standardisation.

5. Mr. Cadieux, Canadian minister of National Defence, explained to the Defence Planning Committee the policy and general intention of his government concerning the Canadian forces in Europe. The Defence Planning Committee discussed procedures for consultation. The first step will be a discussion of the Canadian proposals between the Canadian and N.A.T.O. military authorities in the immediate future.

6. Ministers approved a report on mobilisation and force expansion plans, noting in particular their importance for the major allied commands.

7. On the basis of the concept agreed in January, 1969, ministers approved the establishment of a naval on-call force for the Mediterranean and requested the N.A.T.O. military authorities to prepare a programme including exercises and port calls.

8. In considering the problem of the defence of the flanks and bearing in mind among other things increased Soviet naval activity in the North Atlantic and the Mediterranean, ministers noted the status of plans for the improvement of local forces and for reinforcements.

9. The next ministerial session of the Defence Planning Committee will be held in Brussels in December, 1969.