Nato

Oral Answers to Questions — Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 16 January 1991.

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Photo of Andrew Welsh Andrew Welsh , Angus East 12:00, 16 January 1991

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his Department's policy on the future of NATO.

Photo of Hon. Douglas Hurd Hon. Douglas Hurd , Witney

NATO will remain the cornerstone of our defence, resting on a collective military structure which includes north American forces based in Europe. NATO is adapting to the changed circumstances and the Europeans expect to take on a greater responsibility within the alliance.

Photo of Andrew Welsh Andrew Welsh , Angus East

Does the Minister foresee any out-of-area role for NATO, requiring changes in the original Brussels treaty? Will he state the implications for NATO of the current tragic position in Lithuania and the Baltic states?

Photo of Hon. Douglas Hurd Hon. Douglas Hurd , Witney

I do not foresee any treaty change in regard to the point that the hon. Gentleman raised, but I believe that NATO will need to take greater account of possible threats to it from out of area, including the area to its south. We are coming back to the Baltic states in a moment. I do not see a particular responsibility for NATO there.