HC Deb 15 April 1953 vol 514 cc173-4
10. Mr. Donnelly

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what recent consultations he has had with the representatives of the Governments of the United States of America and France with a view to calling a four-Power conference to consider the holding of free elections for a united German Parliament.

16. Mr. A. J. Irvine

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether in view of the altered international situation, he will take the initiative to convene a four-Power conference to discuss future policy in Germany and the holding of free elections for a united German Parliament.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

The views of Her Majesty's Government on a four-Power conference to consider the holding of free elections throughout Germany were conveyed to the Soviet Government in a Note of 23rd September last. It will be recalled that, in this Note, Her Majesty's Government renewed their previous proposals to the Soviet Government for an early four-Power meeting to discuss the formation of an impartial commission of investigation, with a view to creating the conditions necessary to hold free elections throughout Germany.

The next step would be to discuss the holding of these elections and the formation of an all-German Government. When free elections had been held and an all-German Government formed, the peace settlement could be negotiated. No reply has been received from the Soviet Government, but the offer still remains open.

Mr. Donnelly

Is it not a fact that the Russian representatives have suggested to the British High Commissioner in Germany that the talks on air traffic control might be extended to political subjects as well? In view of that does not the right hon. and learned Gentleman agree that this is a most opportune time for us to consult with the other Governments to see what might be done about this proposal for a united Germany?

Mr. Lloyd

I am not aware of any such proposal as that to which the hon. Member has just referred. He asked me about consultations with representatives of the Governments of the United States and France; he did not ask me about any representations received from the Soviet Government. I am not aware that they have put forward any such representations.

Major Beamish

While the holding of free elections throughout Germany would obviously be welcome to all of us here, might not the holding of free elections in the Eastern zone of Germany be a useful preliminary step?

Mr. Beswick

Are we to take it that the right hon. and learned Gentleman is content to leave the matter as it was left by his Note of last year? Is he not taking any other steps or any further initiative?

Mr. Lloyd

That raises an interesting matter. We have put forward a perfectly clear and definite offer. No reply has yet been received to it, but it remains open.

Mr. Dalton

As Her Majesty's Ambassador in Moscow has, we understand, been over here for consultations, and has just had a consultation with Mr. Molotov, is not this a matter which he might take up in this somewhat improved atmosphere which we all wish further to improve? Is it enough to say that a Note that was sent last September has not been answered?

Mr. Lloyd

The fact that I have stated in this House today that the offer is still open puts the matter beyond any doubt whatever.