§ 45. Mr. A. Hendersonasked the Prime Minister whether, before leaving for the Geneva Conference, he will inform the House of the main policy objectives of Her Majesty's Government at the Conference.
§ The Prime Minister (Sir Anthony Eden)The objectives of Her Majesty's Government, and of the Governments of the United States of America and France, were outlined in the note of invitation despatched by them to the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on 10th May. In this note they proposed that the Heads of the four Governments, accompanied by their Foreign Ministers, should meet for an exchange of views in a new effort to resolve the problems which confront us, and to remove the sources of conflict.
§ Mr. HendersonWill the Prime Minister make it clear to the Conference that the entire British people support the idea of peaceful co-existence, and that they are prepared to play their full part in bringing about the conditions which will lead to the abolition of war?
§ The Prime MinisterThat seems to be quite unexceptionable, I am glad to be able to say.
§ Mr. Clement DaviesMay I ask when the Prime Minister proposes to leave this country and if, as I anticipate, we shall not have the opportunity of seeing the right hon. Gentleman again before he leaves, may I assure him that he carries with him the best wishes of everybody in this country and, I believe, throughout the world, and with very full hearts we shall wish him Godspeed in his great mission?
§ The Prime MinisterI am much obliged to the right hon. and learned Gentleman. I realise that this mission far surpasses the ordinary bounds of party controversy, and I can only say that I shall do my best worthily to represent our country.