§ Mr. Cyril D. Townsendasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether the United Kingdom's host nation support arrangements with the Federal Republic of Germany have yet been confirmed in a formal agreement.
§ Mr. StanleyI am pleased to be able to say that, at a ceremony in Bonn today, the State Secretary of the Federal Foreign Ministry and the British ambassador have signed., on behalf of their respective Governments, an agreement governing the provision of host nation support to United Kingdom forces by the Federal Republic during tension or war. In response to the commitment by the United Kingdom Government to reinforce their armed forces in the Federal Republic in accordance with current NATO reinforcement plans at a time of tension or war after consultation between the two Governments and NATO, the agreement constitutes an undertaking by the Federal Government to provide appropriate civilian assistance in support of the United Kingdom forces.
The agreement places on a formal basis the informal discussion and planning which has taken place between the two Governments over a long period. It will ensure that the reinforcement of the Federal Republic by United Kingdom forces in times of tension or war can be carried our promptly and efficiently.
A copy of the text of the agreement has been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.