HC Deb 07 February 1949 vol 461 cc27-9
45. Mr. Chamberlain

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the willingness of both President Truman and Marshal Stalin to meet, he will now offer to arrange such a meeting in London.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)

As no official communication has been addressed to me by either President Truman or Marshal Stalin, I see no purpose in intervening as suggested by the hon. Member.

Mr. Chamberlain

While appreciating that to be the situation, does my right hon. Friend not agree that the present international deadlock can now be resolved only by some top-level meeting such as has been proposed? Further, does not my right hon. Friend agree that the immediate obstacles, namely, the refusal of both Stalin and Truman to meet in each other's territories, and the desire of the President to bring Great Britain into the conference, would both be solved by the solution proposed in my Question?

The Prime Minister

No, Sir.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Does not the Prime Minister think that the Government of Britain should take the lead in world peace? Is he also aware of the great cordiality with which the Russian sailors have been greeted in Edinburgh this weekend? Will he, therefore, invite the two statesmen to meet in Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh?

The Prime Minister

That is rather a different question. I quite agree as to the desirability of doing all we can to encourage world peace, but I am not aware that the method which has been suggested by the hon. Member is the best.

Mr. Austin

As orthodox methods at the United Nations and elsewhere have already failed in many respects, does not my right hon. Friend agree that if the people of the world are to be assured of peace in the future, personal pride and prejudice ought to be put aside by the three statesmen concerned, and that they should get together and settle their differences?

The Prime Minister

There is no question of pride and prejudice.

Mr. Chamberlain

Will my right hon. Friend at least bear in mind that even in this latter day a little energetic initiative might yet move mountains?

The Prime Minister

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs has taken the initiative again and again. I do not know why hon. Members always seem to think that all the initiative should come from this country. A little initiative from the other side of Europe would be an advantage.

Mr. Thurtle

Will my right hon. Friend refrain from taking any action which is likely to delay the signing of the North Atlantic Pact?