§ 19. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Dominions were consulted before the decision to reject the proposal made by Dr. Evatt and Mr. Trygve Lie.
§ Mr. MayhewIt is incorrect to state that His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom rejected the proposal made by the President of the Assembly and the Secretary-General. In their reply His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom renewed their statement that they are fully prepared to agree to a Four Power meeting to discuss Berlin and other outstanding German questions as soon as the present restrictions on communications, transport and trade between Berlin and the Western zones of Germany have been removed, but said that under existing circumstances they felt the most hopeful method of reaching a solution of this problem would be to leave it, as it stands at present, in the hands of the Security Council.
1227 The terms of the reply on this question were, of course, the responsibility of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom, but in accordance with their normal practice in regard to questions of foreign policy, they informed other Commonwealth Governments of their views.
§ Mr. HughesCan the hon. Gentleman say whether in this action in regard to the proposal he had the support of the Australian Government?
§ Mr. MayhewWe had no reactions to the information we sent to the Australian Government. At the same time, of course, we are in close contact with their delegation in Paris.
§ Mr. LipsonIs the hon. Gentleman able to say whether the Security Council is making any satisfactory progress towards a solution of the Berlin deadlock?
§ Mr. MayhewThat is a different question.