German Armed Forces (Nuclear Weapons)

Oral Answers to Questions — Germany – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 18 April 1956.

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Photo of Mr William Warbey Mr William Warbey , Ashfield 12:00, 18 April 1956

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what representations he has made to the Councils of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and of Western European Union regarding the proposed supply of nuclear weapons to the armed forces of the German Federal Republic.

Photo of Mr Selwyn Lloyd Mr Selwyn Lloyd , Wirral

None, Sir, because no such proposal has been made.

Photo of Mr William Warbey Mr William Warbey , Ashfield

Whilst welcoming that statement, may I ask the right hon. and learned Gentleman whether he can give an assurance that it is the policy of Her Majesty's Government that German armed forces should not only not be allowed to make their own nuclear weapons but also not be allowed to receive them from outside?

Photo of Mr Selwyn Lloyd Mr Selwyn Lloyd , Wirral

I think that the extent to which the German armed forces should be armed with atomic weapons really falls to be considered under the Western European Union Treaty. The hon. Member will see that the matter is dealt with very carefully there.