HC Deb 11 December 1946 vol 431 cc1143-4
35. Mr. Warbey

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what obstacles still remain to the economic unification of the whole of Germany.

42. Mr. Longden

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what formal communications have been sent to the French and Soviet Governments concerning the desirability of attaining the economic unification of the whole of Germany; and what the replies have been.

The Minister of State (Mr. Hector McNeil)

At the Council of Foreign Ministers in Paris on 10th July, my right hon. Friend told his colleagues that it was the policy of His Majesty's Government to treat Germany as a whole. He subsequently circulated a detailed paper on this subject. Moreover, within the recently concluded British-American fusion agreement provision is again made for the extension of this agreement to either or both of the other zones of occupation. Neither the French nor the Soviet Government have so far replied to such invitations from His Majesty's Government.

Mr. Warbey

In view of the rather conciliatory statements that have been made on this subject by Generalissimo Stalin and Mr. Molotoy in recent weeks, can my right hon. Friend say whether any new conversations have been undertaken on the basis of the proposals put forward?

Mr. McNeil

It clearly would be competent at any time for either of the other occupation authorities to reply to the invitation that we have extended on this subject.

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