HL Deb 19 February 1996 vol 569 c66WA
Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What meaning they attach to the statement by Mr. Robert Bell, Special Assistant for National Security Affairs to the President of the United States on 19th October 1995 at the George Marshall Institute, that "European audiences … still count on the American guarantee in Europe and can thereby forgo their own nuclear programmes" and whether they are contemplating forgoing the United Kingdom's nuclear programme, as this statement seems to propose.

Earl Howe:

Mr. Bell was referring to the continuing contribution by the United States to the nuclear forces of the Alliance, which provide a supreme guarantee of security to both nuclear and non nuclear Allies. The Alliance's Strategic Concept endorsed by the US and all other allies recognises the important contribution to deterrence provided by the independent nuclear forces of the United Kingdom.

Lord

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have reason to believe that the remarks of Mr. Robert Bell at the George C. Marshall Institute do not represent the view of the United States Administration.

Earl Howe:

We understand that Mr. Bell was speaking in his official capacity.