4. Mr. V. Adamsasked the Prime Minister whether he is now in a position to make a further statement about the progress of negotiations for the strategic co-operation of France, Russia, and Great Britain in resistance to aggression?
§ 17. Mr. Thorneasked the Prime Minister whether he can now say whether a tripartite agreement between England, France, and Russia has yet been settled and whether the agreement is similar to the agreement between France and Russia?
§ The Prime MinisterPerhaps the hon. Members will be good enough to await the statement which I propose to make at the end of questions.
§ Mr. Neil MacleanWill the Prime Minister explain why the word "England" has been used? I thought that word had been dropped and the words "Great Britain" substituted?
§ Later—
§ The Prime MinisterThe House is aware that my Noble Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs was able to have conversations with the French Ministers in Paris on his way to Geneva. He was also able to continue in Geneva the conversations which had been conducted with the Soviet Ambassador in London. As a result of these conversations all relevant points of view have now been made clear, and I have every reason to hope that as a result of proposals which His Majesty's Government are now in a position to make on the main questions arising, it will be found possible to reach full agreement at an early date. There still remain some further points to be cleared up, but I do not anticipate that these are likely to give rise to any serious difficulty.
§ Mr. AttleeWill it be possible to make a more definite and fuller statement before the House rises for Whitsun?
§ The Prime MinisterIf it is possible, of course, such a statement will be made, but, as I mentioned, there are some points which have still to be cleared up. I think probably it will be necessary to wait until after we come back, when I hope it will be possible to give a complete account of the agreement which, I trust, will by then have been reached.
§ Mr. DaltonIs it not most urgent, in view of the continuing dangers of the international situation, to make an end of these delays?
Mr. V. AdamsIs my right hon. Friend aware that this step towards this massive deterrent against aggression will give throughout the country the most widespread relief, satisfaction and hope?