§ 11.17 a.m.
§ LORD BROCKWAYMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will use their influence to cancel the NATO manœuvres due to be held near the Czechoslovak frontiers, in view of the critical issue of democratic liberty in that territory.]
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF PIJBLIC BUILDING AND WORKS (LORD WINTERBOTTOM)My Lords, I presume that the noble Lord is referring to the exercise known as "Black Lion", which was originally planned to be held in Bavaria. This is not a NATO exercise but an exercise by the Federal German armed forces, with the participation of some small French and American units. As the noble Lord will no doubt have seen, the Federal German Government have now decided to transfer the exercise from Bavaria to Baden-Württemberg. It can thus no longer be described as being near the Czech border.
§ LORD BROCKWAYMy Lords, I thank my noble friend for that reply. Is it not very desirable in these circumstances that we should not appear to be engaged in any provocative action? While we welcome the decision of the West German Government to transfer its manœuvres, is it not the case, as indicated in the Question, that NATO manœuvres are also under consideration, and if so would it not be desirable to accept the example of the Federal Government?
§ LORD WINTERBOTTOMMy Lords, that is another question.
§ LORD LEATHERLANDMy Lords, does my noble friend feel that what is sauce for the goose should be sauce for the gander, and that there is no more iniquity in having Western exercises near Czechoslovakia than in having Russian exercises there?
§ LORD OGMOREMy Lords, in view of that last question, may I ask the 1395 noble Lord whether he has read the very wise article of the noble Earl, Lord Avon, in the Daily Express this morning, in which he urges the NATO forces not to take provocative action anywhere near the Czech frontier at this very delicate time, and expresses the fears of Russia in view of the terrible depredations they had from Germany in the last war? Perhaps he would look at that article, because I think it gives very good advice to the Government.
§ LORD WINTERBOTTOMMy Lords, Her Majesty's Government are well aware of the feelings of concern in all the parties concerned with this delicate situation.