THE MARSHALL PLAN WORKED:

John Hutton says Europeans are 'freeloading' on Britain and US in Afghanistan (James Kirkup, 15 Jan 2009, Daily Telegraph)

European members of Nato are "freeloading" on the military sacrifice and commitment of countries like Britain and the United States, John Hutton, the Defence Secretary will say.

In an escalation of British criticism of Nato members' uneven contributions to the mission in Afghanistan, Mr Hutton will warn that the failure of countries like France, Germany and Italy to send more troops will undermine European relations with Barack Obama's US administration.

"Freeloading on the back of US military security is not an option if we wish to be equal partners in this transatlantic alliance," Mr Hutton will say, pointedly telling European allies: "Anyone who wants to benefit from collective security must be prepared to share the ultimate price."