§ 25. Sir T. Beamishasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assurances he has received about the intention of the United States Government to maintain their contribution to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation; and if he will seek an assurance that substantial reductions of United States military strength in Europe will be contingent upon similar Soviet withdrawals.
§ Mr. George ThomsonThe American Secretary for Defence, Mr. Laird, has emphasised on more than one occasion that the United States has no programme to reduce American troop strength in Europe either in this fiscal year or the next.
§ Sir T. BeamishAre Her Majesty's Government generally in agreement with the American Government about the likely effects on our vital interests in Europe and beyond and on the interests of our allies if progress is made towards a Soviet-American détente? Is there general agreement with the United States Government about the effect upon us of such a détente?
§ Mr. ThomsonYes, Sir; we keep in the most thorough consultation about these matters.