§ 37. Mr. Blackburnasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what proposals he has received from the Government of the United States of America in relation to atomic energy and the hydrogen bomb project; and what arrangements he has made for consultation with President Truman.
§ The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Ernest Bevin)I have received no new proposals from the United States Government in relation to atomic energy and the hydrogen bomb project. The second part of the Question does not therefore arise. The United States proposals for the international control of atomic energy have, of course, been made to the Atomic Energy Commission of the United Nations.
§ Mr. BlackburnIn view of the fact that my right hon. Friend and the Prime Minister have rejected any idea of a direct approach between President Truman, the Prime Minister and Stalin, what steps are now being taken to bring this matter immediately to the attention of the United Nations, which has done nothing for at least two years upon the most important issue before the world today?
§ Mr. BevinI do not agree that it has done nothing. It has been trying to get an agreement and it has failed. It is not the first time in the international field that agreement has not been possible. It is not the intention of this Government to make a direct approach. We do not think it would be a success, but would land us into difficulties. We prefer to adhere to the proper machinery that has been laid down in the United Nations.
§ Mr. BlackburnWhile accepting entirely the fact that my right hon. Friend does not agree with the direct approach, although I disagree with him, may I beg him to take steps to see that the United Nations considers it in the immediate future, because it is a matter which exercises the minds of men of good will in all parts of the world?
§ Mr. BevinI cannot accept the view that the mere solution of the atomic energy problem means absolute peace in the world. There are the conventional armaments and a whole range of problems to be dealt with in this connection. We have set up—indeed, on behalf of His Majesty's Government I proposed it at the first meeting of the United Nations, in London—appropriate bodies for this purpose. If a country will not open its doors for inspection what is the use of entering into an agreement when it is not known whether it is being kept or not?