§ 57. Mr. T. Reidasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he intends to try to place on the agenda of the forthcoming Great Powers Conference the 33 problem of German re-armament in Eastern and Western Germany.
§ Mr. Ernest DaviesAs my hon. Friend will be aware, the Soviet Government have called for a meeting of the Four Powers for the purpose of discussing the question of the demilitarisation of Germany. The latest note from the Soviet Government is being studied with a view to seeing whether it offers a basis for a preliminary meeting of representatives of the Four Powers for the purpose of drafting an agenda for a meeting of Ministers. I cannot therefore at present comment on the items which His Majesty's Government would propose to put on the agenda. It is, however, our view that the problem of re-armament, which at present exists in a concrete form in East Germany alone, must be examined in the context of the real causes of present international tension.
§ Mr. ReidWould not concentration on the question of the re-armament of Western Germany be put in better perspective if the re-armament of Eastern Germany as well were considered?
§ Mr. DaviesI think my hon. Friend might do well to await today's debate, during which these matters will be discussed.