HC Deb 21 May 1953 vol 515 cc2262-3
The Prime Minister

With your permission, Mr. Speaker, I will now make the statement to which I referred a few moments ago.

President Eisenhower has expressed a wish for a personal meeting with the French Prime Minister and myself to discuss our common problems. Her Majesty's Government feel that such an exchange of views could only be of advantage at the present time. It has been suggested that Bermuda, where, incidentally, there is an American Base, would be a suitable meeting place. A date shortly after 15th June would be convenient for the President, and so far as Her Majesty's Government are concerned it would enable the discussions with the Commonwealth Prime Ministers to be completed in accordance with the plans we have already agreed with them. Arrangements are being made accordingly, but the precise date has still to be finally settled.

I have, of course, sought and obtained Her Majesty's gracious permission to leave the United Kingdom for this purpose.

Mr. Attlee

While I am sure the whole House will welcome this statement of a meeting for a discussion with President Eisenhower and the French Prime Minister, may I ask the Prime Minister whether he has had in contemplation that this might be preliminary to a talk with Mr. Malenkov and others? This is, of course, one side of the general world situation, and we are all anxious to see if we cannot get talks between the two sides.

The Prime Minister

It is my main hope that we may take a definite step forward to a meeting of far graver import.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Will the Prime Minister suggest to President Eisenhower that as he has a residence in Scotland and it is time a conference was held in this country, that that would be a most appropriate place to hold a conference?

The Prime Minister

The hon. Member may, in the Recess, make a journey to the United States for that purpose.

Mr. Hughes

Could I get a visa?

The Prime Minister

I will support the hoo. Gentleman's application.