§ 48. Mr. Wyattasked the Prime Minister whether he will invite President Eisenhower to London to discuss with him how Anglo-American differences may be resolved.
§ The Prime MinisterI must refer the hon. Member to my answers given to himself and to the hon. Member for West Ham, North (Mr. Lewis) on 26th November, 1952, 20th May, 1953, 27th October, 1953, and 6th April, 1954.
They all say the same thing in varying forms. The answer given to the hon. Member on 20th May, 1953, is the fullest. It was very carefully considered at the time and I do not think it requires any addition or modification to-day. I shall be glad to send the hon. Gentleman a copy of it if he desires.
§ Mr. WyattHas not the Prime Minister noticed that quite a lot has happened since he gave me the answer a year ago to which he has referred? Is it not common knowledge that whereas our aims in Asia are the same as those of the Americans, there has been considerable disagreement as to the methods? Is it not of the utmost importance that, as we approach the idea of a South-East Asian defence pact, we should work in harmony and understanding with each other; and, surely, that cannot be achieved by Transatlantic telephone conversations, but only by face-to-face meetings between the heads of States of the kind which the Prime Minister has long advocated?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not think that that is not covered by the answer I have given, and I am sure that, when the hon. Gentleman reads the answer given a year ago, his feelings of anxiety will be largely set at rest, and I think may even be accompanied by some admiration for our prescient and far-sighted wording.