HC Deb 28 July 1954 vol 531 cc462-3
6. Mr. Warbey

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what official discussions he had with the Soviet Foreign Minister at Geneva regarding Germany and European security.

Mr. Anthony Eden

None, Sir.

Mr. Warbey

As peaceful co-existence is now the policy of the Government, and as this new policy was so successful at Geneva, would not the right hon. Gentleman apply it to the next problem—Germany—and take advantage of the tentative suggestions put forward in the new Soviet Note to propose a four-Power conference on Germany?

Mr. Eden

I think that if the hon. Gentleman reads the Soviet Note he will find out that that is what they suggest.

Mr. Warbey

I was not suggesting that. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I was suggesting that he should follow up these tentative suggestions and might himself suggest a four-Power conference?

Mr. Eden

Thank you very much.

10. Mr. Warbey

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now in a position to make a detailed statement on the Government's proposals for according sovereignty to Western Germany.

Mr. Anthony Eden

I have nothing to add to the Prime Minister's reply to the hon. Gentleman.

Mr. Warbey

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Prime Minister left this matter in complete obscurity? Can he now answer at least one question and say how the Bonn Conventions are to be brought into effect and separated from E.D.C. without legalising the uncontrolled rearmament of Western Germany?

Mr. Eden

There are methods by which that can be done, but I do not know that I should enter into them at this moment.

Mr. Warbey

Does not the whole House desire to know exactly how this matter can be dealt with?

Mr. Eden

The Question is about the sovereignty of Western Germany, but it is clear that arrangements can be made covering rearmament if it was so agreed and desired.