§ 10. Mr. M. Philips Priceasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement about the negotiations he is carrying on concerning the status of Trieste city and the surrounding zones A and B.
§ Mr. NuttingHer Majesty's Government are not carrying on any negotiations. The Yugoslav and Italian Governments are, however, engaged in direct discussions which Her Majesty's Government hope will be successful.
§ Mr. PriceAre there any serious difficulties and, if so, are the Government in any position to assist the discussions in any way?
§ Mr. NuttingThere are considerable difficulties about this problem, and Her Majesty's Government are certainly doing everything possible to assist in a solution of those difficulties; but we believe—I think, rightly—that by far the best and most satisfactory solution of this tangled and thorny problem would be obtained by direct negotiation between the two parties thereto.