HC Deb 15 April 1953 vol 514 cc182-3
13. Mr. Ernest Davies

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when it is proposed to summon the next meeting of the Deputies engaged in preparing the Austrian Treaty.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

This matter is under consideration but no decision has yet been reached.

Mr. Davies

Would the Minister say whether the British Ambassador in Moscow, in his recent conversation with Mr. Molotov, suggested that such a meeting should take place, because it is quite clear that this treaty has reached a point where it could easily be signed with a little good will on each side, in view of the improved situation, and it would put Russia to the test as to whether her protestations of peace are sincere or no?

Mr. Lloyd

It is impossible for me to give to the House details of a confidential conversation between our Ambassador and the Soviet Foreign Minister. One of the difficulties in regard to an Austrian Treaty is the fact that at recent meetings of the Allied Council, so far from any manifestations of increasing good will or an increased endeavour to reach a settlement being seen, the trend has been rather the contrary. If any Questions are put down in regard to that matter, I will certainly answer them. We must wait to see whether there is any evidence in that field of some desire to reach a settlement before we decide.

Viscount Hinchingbrooke

While appreciating the Minister's point of view on this matter, would he yet be prepared to say that in some ways the preparation and conclusion of an Austrian peace treaty is the most propitious ground upon which to test the sincerity of the Russian peace overtures?

Mr. Lloyd

I absolutely agree, and as soon as Her Majesty's Government think that the particular step about which I am asked is the right one to take, we shall take it.

Mr. Davies

If the right hon. and learned Gentleman takes that point of view, why cannot a suggestion be put forward now for a meeting of the deputies to be called immediately?

Mr. Lloyd

As I have said, we have had a meeting of the Allied Council within the last few days, and there was another meeting about a fortnight ago at which it was quite clear that the Soviet attitude towards various matters was not such as to make a meeting of the deputies advantageous at the present time.