§ The Prime MinisterIn the absence of the Foreign Secretary, whose temporary indisposition will excite general regret, I will with your permission, Mr. Speaker, and that of the House, make a statement on the recent visit to this country of President Tito, in reply to Question No. 17.
The Foreign Secretary, the Minister of Defence and I had a series of discussions with President Tito and his advisers which, to quote the President's words, "resulted in the greatest accord on how to preserve peace in Europe." I warmly endorse this statement. We saw eye to eye on all major aspects of policy in the international field. We were agreed upon the continuing necessity to maintain our vigilance, to concert our defence efforts more closely and to avoid any act savouring of provocation. We also agreed that there could be no question of thinking in terms of a localised war in Europe.
In view of the importance attached by Her Majesty's Government to filling the last gap in the defences of South and South-East Europe, we specially welcomed the Treaty concluded last month between Yugoslavia and her Greek and Turkish neighbours, and were glad to learn of President Tito's firm wish to improve relations with Italy. Amongst other matters discussed was our economic aid to Yugoslavia, and we also sought and obtained information about relations between all the Churches and the State which are now undergoing earnest review by the Yugoslav Government.
I do not think it is going too far to state that the whole visit was an unqualified success and has made a contribution of major importance to mutual collaboration and understanding, as well as to the general cause of peace.
§ Mr. LewisAgain may I thank the Prime Minister for that statement and for the very welcome announcement it contains? He is aware that Yugoslavia suffered possibly more than any other nation in casualties in the last war— [HON. MEMBERS: "No."] Yes, they did. Unfortunately their economy has suffered from the effect of two droughts in addition to the blizzard from the Soviet Union; and therefore they must be in dire straits economically. Can the Prime Minister give an assurance that Her Majesty's Government will make every effort to build up the improved trade relationship between the two countries so as to help Yugoslavia?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not think I need attempt to make a particular answer to that extremely general question. We certainly hope that prosperity will come back again to Yugoslavia, and will come all the quicker because of the general sense of security which is being established.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonWe all welcome the statement made by the Prime Minister, as we all welcomed the visit of Marshal Tito, which we feel sure was a great success for the two Governments concerned. We were happy to have him here and we hope that good will result. It shows that given good will on both sides, successful business can be done even between Communist and non-Communist Governments.
§ The Prime MinisterI am obliged to the right hon. Gentleman for what he has said. It would be a terrible thing if mere ideological differences prevented people living ordinary lives in the world together. It is not the ideological differences but measures that may be taken of a concrete character which make the trouble.
§ Mr. Beresford CraddockArising cut of what was said by the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Lewisham, South (Mr. H. Morrison), would my right hon. Friend agree that the same principles enunciated by the right hon. Gentleman might well be applied to the relations between this country and Spain?
§ Mr. SpeakerThis statement has nothing to do with Spain.
§ The Prime MinisterI think it a good thing to jump one fence at a time.