HC Deb 16 June 1952 vol 502 cc776-7
46. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Prime Minister if, in view of the fact that, in order to promote international understanding and to diminish the danger of war an early meeting of the Prime Ministers of the Great Powers including the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics is desirable, he will now send to such Prime Ministers invitations to prepare an agenda for such a meeting.

The Prime Minister

I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to similar questions by the hon. Member for Dart-ford (Mr. Dodds) on 12th November and again on 7th April.

Mr. Hughes

Is the Prime Minister aware that the Foreign Secretary in his own Government has said that the interchange of views by Notes has not improved international relations, and does not the Prime Minister agree that it is undesirable to have a split in the Government on this vital matter?

The Prime Minister

I trust that the hon. and learned Member will not complicate our affairs by suggesting that there is a split in the Government on this matter. I think there is a pretty good measure of agreement throughout the House on what we would like, but the difficulty is how we can bring it about.

Mr. Dodds

The Prime Minister has given a lot of replies. Would he give an answer on what he personally is doing in view of his former enthusiasm to make this a practical proposition? What has he done in the meantime other than speak about it?

The Prime Minister

It is quite obvious that to make a move which only led to things being worse would not be helpful.

Mr. Manuel

In view of the Prime Minister's promise to the people of Scotland at a huge rally in Ibrox Park at the General Election that there should be a meeting with Stalin to clear up this issue, would he not now keep that pledge?

The Prime Minister

I do not think there is any question of pledges—not at all. Everyone, or the vast majority of us, would welcome full, sincere and wholehearted talks between the great Western Powers and the Soviet Government. That is what I have always said, and I should feel very greatly responsible if any real opportunity occurred and was not taken advantage of. But a mistake would be very detrimental.