§ Lord Kennetasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether President Clinton or any other member of the United States Administration discussed with the British Government their recent decision to allot to Argentina the honorific status of "special non-NATO ally"; what they understand this status to imply beyond making "surplus NATO hardware" available to Argentina; and whether "special non-NATO ally" status has any meaning for actual NATO allies, including the United Kingdom.
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanThe decision to grant Major Non-NATO Ally status ("MNNA") to 19WA Argentina is a matter for the American and Argentine governments.
We were aware of the US plans to grant MNNA to Argentina and discussed the issue with the Americans at the time.
The status does not give Argentina privileged access to US or NATO defence equipment. The US have stated publicly that it reflects Argentina's contribution to international peacekeeping activity.
As the name suggests, this is a non-NATO status which is essentially bilateral. It does not have any bearing on NATO allies.