HC Deb 02 December 1953 vol 521 cc1137-9
16. Mr. Foot

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the proposed conference to discuss the Trieste dispute.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

I have nothing to add to the answer which my right hon. Friend gave to the right hon. and learned Gentleman the Member for Rowley Regis and Tipton (Mr. A. Henderson) on 23rd November.

Mr. Foot

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman confirm or deny the reports which have been printed in "The Times," and which have come from Reuters' correspondent in Rome, that secret assurances have been given by Her Majesty's Government to the Italian Government in Rome which have led to a change in the attitude of the Italian Government? Can the Minister say whether such assurances have been given and if so what the assurances were?

Mr. Lloyd

The hon. Gentleman must be content with the answer which I gave to his Question. I am certain that it is much better, on the whole, for people to keep quiet about this matter. [Hon. Members: "Oh."]

Mr. Foot

Can the Minister at least give this assurance, that exactly the same information has been made available to the Yugoslav Government as has been made available to the Italian Government? [Hon. Members: "Answer."]

Mr. Lloyd

I have nothing to add to the answer which I have already given.

Mr. Foot

Does that mean that the right hon. and learned Gentleman is in fact confirming what was stated quite openly by the diplomatic correspondent of "The Times" and by the correspondent in Rome?

Mr. Noel-Baker

Will the Minister of State consider again the grave blunders which led to the troubles in Trieste? Did he consider the most important point put to him by my hon. Friend just now? Will he further consider that while time is needed to heal the effects of what the Government did on 8th October, nevertheless there is a danger in allowing this state of affairs to go on for too long without a conference?

Mr. Lloyd

As the right hon. Gentleman well knows the situation on 8th October was steadily deteriorating. I think that it is too early yet to decide exactly how events have worked out since 8th October; but it is an exceedingly delicate situation. Negotiations are in progress with a number of Governments on the matter and I think that it is better that Her Majesty's Government should not be pressed for answers on these questions now.