§ Lord Kennetasked Her Majesty's Government:
What flag the new NATO research vessel "Alliance" will fly, what will be the nationality of her crew, under what command she will come, and what will be her status in international law and in the domestic law of NATO members.
§ The Minister of State for Defence Procurement (Lord Trefgarne)The "Alliance" which will be based at La Spezia in Italy, will come under SACLANT's command. She will fly the German flag and her status in international law and in the law of NATO member countries will be that of a German registered Public Service Vessel. Her Master and First Mate will be German nationals, the remaining officers will be British, and the ratings will be Italian.