§ 43. Mr. Warbeyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the policy of Her Majesty's Government with regard to the right of an all-German Government, before and after the conclusion of a peace treaty enabling it to enter into associations compatible with the principles and purposes of the United Nations, to enter into a defensive military alliance with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics or any other East European country.
§ Mr. Selwyn LloydAs I said in my reply to the hon. Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme (Mr. Swingler) on 10th February:
An all-German Government should be free, both before and after the conclusion of a Peace Treaty, to enter into associations compatible with the principles and purposes of the United Nations."—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 10th February, 1954; Vol. 523, c. 124.]We have not asked that a united Germany should only be free to enter into associations with Western countries.
§ Mr. WarbeySince the proposals put forward by the Foreign Secretary make it possible at some future time—or would make it possible—for the German Government to ally with the Soviet Union, may I ask whether the right hon. and learned Gentleman has considered the dangers which might arise for this country from such a situation?
§ Mr. LloydIn this matter we feel that if Germany is to come as an equal partner into the comity of nations, she must be given freedom of choice in these matters.