HL Deb 15 May 1995 vol 564 cc20-1WA
Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they consider the traditional United States "leadership" in matters of NATO doctrine remains appropriate in the new political situation in Europe and whether, as advocated by General Joulwan, in order to "achieve unity of command", they have agreed "one clearly understood set of rules of engagement" within NATO.

Baroness Chalker of Wallasey

Alliance leaders made it clear in their Summit communiqué of January 1994 that the transatlantic link is the bedrock of NATO. The continued substantial presence of United States forces in Europe is a fundamental aspect of that link. All NATO countries have expressed the wish to continue the direct involvement of the United States in the security of Europe.

The rules of engagement under which NATO forces operate are specific to a situation and are subject to agreement by all NATO countries.