§ 47. Mr. Norman Bowerasked the Prime Minister if he will now take the initiative in proposing a meeting between President Truman, Marshal Stalin and himself, with a view to bringing about an improvement in the relations between the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and the West.
§ The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Ernest Bevin)I have been asked to reply. Resolutions dealing with the question of consultations between the Great Powers are now under discussion in the United Nations in connection with the debate now taking place on the United States proposals for "united action for peace." His Majesty's Government are supporting these latter proposals. They are particularly anxious that effective steps should be taken to make sure that the United Nations organisation possesses the means necessary to prevent aggression. They believe that in consequence the solution of problems by negotiation will be facilitated.
In the view of His Majesty's Government it is important that any consultations that may be arranged between the Great Powers shall not be used as a substitute for the proposals for "united action for peace." His Majesty's Government have not in the past refused to enter into consultation with other Great Powers when this has been desired, but their past experience has not been encouraging. The attitude adopted by the Soviet Union, for example, in the Four-Power meetings to discuss Germany or the Austrian Treaty, has not been such as to encourage the belief that a solution of the world's problems can be found by that means.
It has seemed, therefore, to His Majesty's Government that, apart from building on the United Nations as the world organisation for the settlement of disputes and the prevention of aggression, it was desirable to build up a position of strength by means of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and similar measures. But if circumstances arose in which there was a real opportunity to reach a solution of some of these great world problems through meetings between the Great Powers His Majesty's Government would enter into consultations with their friends on any proposals that may be submitted.
§ Mr. BowerWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that, in the opinion of many people, a personal meeting at this stage, such as is suggested in this Question, might have a very beneficial effect, even if the agenda were not carefully prepared and no concrete results emerged.
§ Mr. BevinWell, I can only say that I have had a very good experience over the last five years, and really the Western Powers have got to be strong, they have got to be tolerant, and they have got to be perfectly clear as to the kind of world they want and to stand for it till they get it.
§ Mr. Emrys HughesIf the initiative for such a meeting of the four Powers comes from the United States Government, will the Foreign Secretary give it enthusiastic support?
§ Mr. BevinI do not know about enthusiasm. When one has been Foreign Secretary for five years one ceases to be enthusiastic about these things. If it comes from anywhere, we shall give it equal consideration.