§ 53. Mr. Nigel Fisherasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what consultations have taken place between his Department and the American State Department on the question of a closer association between Spain and the Atlantic Pact countries.
§ Mr. Ernest DaviesThis is, of course, the type of question on which His Majesty's Government are in touch with the United States Government within the context of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.
§ Mr. FisherWould the hon. Gentleman not agree that in this case it would have been better if there had been consultations before two directly conflicting statements of policy were made, as, indeed, they were, and is the hon. Gentleman's own deplorable speech on the Adjournment last week the last word in Government policy on this matter? There is no coordination at all.
§ Mr. DaviesI would point out to the hon. Gentleman that the statement made by Mr. Acheson was made in reply to questions which were put to him both before a Congressional Committee and at a Press conference. Obviously, in such circumstances there was no time for him to consult us since he had to act spontaneously. The policy of His Majesty's Government was stated during the Adjournment debate last week.