HC Deb 12 February 1951 vol 484 cc32-3
57. Mr. T. Reid

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he intends to try to place on the agenda of the forthcoming Great Powers Conference the problem of German re-armament in Eastern and Western Germany.

Mr. Ernest Davies

As 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. Reid

Would 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. Davies

I think my hon. Friend might do well to await today's debate, during which these matters will be discussed.