HC Deb 10 June 1953 vol 516 cc196-7
9. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what consultations have taken place between the Soviet Government and the United Kingdom Government with a view to superseding Article IV of the Anglo-Soviet Treaty of Collaboration and Mutual Assistance of 1942 as a result of the adoption of proposals contemplated in Article III (1) of the treaty.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

There have been no recent consultations on this subject.

Mr. Henderson

In view of the statement recently published in "Pravda," I think on 24th May, which states that the Prime Minister had completely overlooked the existence of this Treaty in his recent international review, would the Minister say whether, in the view of Her Majesty's Government, Part II of this Treaty providing for collaboration and mutual assistance between the two countries still remains fully effective and that Her Majesty's Government attached great importance to the continuation of this Treaty?

Mr. Lloyd

It is quite true that this Treaty is still in force and, therefore, Part II of it is in force. The right hon. and learned Gentleman will remember that Article IV in Part II does deal with the question of mutual guarantees. Article III states quite clearly that it was envisaged as going to be within the framework of an organisation such as the United Nations.

Mr. Henderson

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman answer the last part of my supplementary? Do the Government still attach great importance to this Treaty?

Mr. Lloyd

I think any treaty is of importance, but this Treaty was intended to operate within the framework of the United Nations. I think that is the more important factor.