45. Mr. Watkinsasked the Prime Minister if he has considered a resolution, a copy of which has been sent him, approved by 32 well known ministers of religion in South Wales, calling upon the Government to use its power at the United Nations organisation to persuade Western Governments to divert to the bettering of economic and social conditions in Europe and Asia the present expenditure on war preparations; and what was the nature of his reply.
§ The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Herbert Morrison)I have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has received and acknowledged a copy of such a resolution. The House is fully aware, as a consequence of frequent debates on the subject, of the reasons which compel us and other Western nations to increase our defence expenditure. Our proposals in the United Nations for the regulation and reduction of armaments have of course been designed to apply equitably to all countries and not merely to the Western Powers.
§ Mr. LlewellynShould not this resotion have been more appropriately sent to the Kremlin, in respect of the Eastern Governments of Europe under its control?
§ Mr. MorrisonI am all for impartiality. I think that it might have been sent to both.