HC Deb 26 March 1953 vol 513 cc831-4

The following Questions stood upon the Order Paper:

45. Mr. DODDS

To ask the Prime Minister if, in view of the recent conciliatory statements by Soviet spokesmen. he will state what action he has now taken, and what progress has been made towards meeting Mr. Malenkov in an effort to lessen international tension.

47. Mr. LEWIS

TO ask the Prime Minister what approaches he has made since 2nd March to the Presidents of the United States of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics for the purposes of initiating three-Power talks; and what were the results attained.

49. Mr. LEWIS

TO ask the Prime Minister whether, in view of the friendly and conciliatory nature of the speech made by President Malenkov at the recent meeting of the Supreme Soviet of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, and the subsequent tendencies shown by the Soviet Government to enter into high level discussions, he will now take the necessary steps to invite Presidents Eisenhower and Malenkov to join him in London for the purpose of initiating three-Power talks, in an attempt to resolve present international difficulties.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Winston Churchill)

I will, with permission, answer Questions Nos. 45, 47 and 49 together.

Mr. Lewis

On a point of order. The Prime Minister said that he would, with permission, answer Questions Nos. 47 and 45. I have, in fact, given notice that I desire No. 47 to be transferred. May I, therefore, ask the Prime Minister not to answer it with No. 45?

Mr. Speaker

When the right hon. Gentleman gives his answer, I think he should exclude No. 47 because that has been withdrawn.

The Prime Minister

I will answer any of the three Questions mentioned.

Her Majesty's Government naturally welcome any indications that the Soviet Government wish to lower the political temperature. I do not feel in other matters that I need add to the answers I have given upon questions of this character.

Mr. Dodds

Why is the Prime Minister so obstinate on a matter about which at one time he was chief advocate, and is he not aware that public anxiety has been increased by the slowness with which this Government have taken up the offer of the Russians to discuss the bringing down of planes with the idea of preventing a repetition? Will the Prime Minister say what is the reason for this form of creeping paralysis?

The Prime Minister

When the Soviet Government wished to discuss the question about the planes, it was thought necessary that inquiries should be made of other Governments associated with us on the same front, and that is why there was a little delay. As I made quite clear to the House, we welcome the opportunity of a meeting between the authorities concerned on both sides with General Chuikov.

Mr. Dodds

Is the Prime Minister hoping for any progress in the next few days or the next few weeks?

The Prime Minister

I have a feeling that nearly all of us feel the same about these things. Do let us be careful not to try and press any particular step or date or occasion. Even if great results could not be obtained, it might be that small results would be beneficial.

Mr. Lewis

In the last part of Question No. 49 I have asked the Prime Minister whether he would at least take the initial step of asking President Eisenhower and Mr. Malenkov whether they would be prepared to come to London to meet him? Will the right hon. Gentleman say why he cannot at least make that approach or make a statement to the effect that he would be willing to make that approach? That would at least show willingness on the part of Her Majesty's Government and would reciprocate some of the conciliatory statements which we are getting from Mr. Malenkov at the moment.

The Prime Minister

Supposing we took the step which the hon. Member advocates and in both cases we met with negative answers, does he think the situation would be improved?

Mr. Paget

May we take it that the Prime Minister has now come to the conclusion that negotiations on matters of foreign affairs are far better conducted through the Foreign Office?

The Prime Minister

That is a very sweeping statement. I am quite clear that when there is complete agreement between the Foreign Office and the Prime Minister, as there has always been over many years between me and my right hon. Friend, no such question of refined discrimination arises.