HC Deb 18 March 1946 vol 420 cc1504-5
11. Mr. Anthony Nutting

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now in a position to make a statement regarding His Majesty's Government's attitude towards the French Government's proposals for the future of the Ruhr and the Rhineland.

Mr. McNeil

No, Sir.

Mr. Nutting

In that case, can the hon. Gentleman say what is the state of the Allied discussions on this matter? Will he, so far as the Government can, hasten a decision on this matter so as to create the necessary atmosphere for a unified policy for Germany?

Mr. McNeil

My right hon. Friend is, as far as possible, hastening these studies, and, of course, the French Government have now suggested the convening of a four-party conference on this subject.

Mr. Skeffington-Lodge

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that one of the most vital things to fix up, if possible, is a unified policy regarding the future of Germany? In doing that, will he bear in mind that we neither wish, on the one hand, to become camp followers of Uncle Sam, nor, on the other, to be suppliants at the throne of Moscow?