§ 48. Mr. Swinglerasked the Prime Minister to what extent the heads of Governments of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Powers are consulted about the appointment of high-ranking officers at North Atlantic Treaty Organisation headquarters.
§ The Prime MinisterThe appointment of Supreme Allied Commanders requires the approval of the Governments represented on the North Atlantic Council. Appointments of major N.A.T.O. Commanders are made by the Supreme Allied Commanders in consultation with the Governments concerned.
§ 49. Mr. A. Lewisasked the Prime Minister what protests he has received about the appointment of General Heusinger to a senior appointment, necessitating control over British troops, on the ground that he served under Hitler; and what action Her Majesty's Government have taken, or intend to take, to oppose his appointment.
§ The Prime MinisterThe hon. Member is under a misapprehension. As Chairman of the N.A.T.O. Military Committee in Permanent Session, General Heusinger has no control over British troops. His appointment to this post was unanimous and Her Majesty's Government would not wish to challenge it.
I have received one letter which referred to this among other matters.
§ 51. Mr. Shinwellasked the Prime Minister whether, before taking any decision on the international and defence 129W aspects of the reorganisation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, he will personally consult with the American President on the desirability of avoiding an increase in tension between the Soviet and Western blocs.
§ The Prime MinisterIt is naturally our policy to avoid increasing tension. I do not believe that the studies which it is now proposed to make in the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation info the whole efficacy and quality of the N.A.T.O. deterrent forces will have this effect. There is no question of immediate decisions.
§ Mr. Shinwellasked the Prime Minister whether he will give an assurance that he will not come to a decision on the reorganisation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, which concerns Her Majesty's Government's foreign and defence policy, until the House of Commons has expressed its views.
§ The Prime MinisterAs I have told the right hon. Gentleman in another Answer today, there is no question of immediate decisions in this matter.