HC Deb 10 February 1947 vol 433 c6
10. Mr. M. Philips Price

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will consider discussing standardisation of military equipment in Moscow next March, with a view to concluding an arrangement with U.S.S.R., where this is technically possible, similar to the Anglo-U.S.A. agreement.

Mr. McNeil

I have nothing to add to the statement made by the Prime Minister on 18th November during the Debate on the Address.

Mr. Price

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that some disquiet has been caused in Russia by this Anglo-American Agreement, and might not some such suggestion as is incorporated in the Question go some way towards allaying it?

Mr. Eden

Is it not a fact that, if we understand it aright, the position is that while we should widely welcome Soviet cooperation on these lines and can invite it, only the Soviet Government can give it?

Mr. McNeil

My attention has been drawn to the disquiet, but as the right hon. Gentleman opposite has indicated, the Prime Minister has already made a statement on the subject.

Sir Ronald Ross

Is it not a fact that owing to the very large sifts of arms and warlike stores by this country and the United States a very considerable degree of standardisation of armaments exists already?

Mr. Warbey

Is it not the case that no proposals for bilateral military co-operation with the Soviet Union similar to that proposed with the United States have been made by His Majesty's Government?