HC Deb 01 June 1954 vol 528 cc1075-6
45. Mr. Warbey

asked the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the progress of the five-Power military staffs meeting in Washington in which Her Majesty's Government is participating.

The Prime Minister (Sir Winston Churchill)

The five-Power military staff meetings between representatives of the Governments of Australia, France, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States are due to begin in Washington the day after tomorrow. It would, therefore, be premature for me to make a statement on their progress. They are without commitment by any of the participating Governments. The British representative will be Sir John Harding, the Chief of the Imperial General Staff.

Mr. Warbey

While I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his assurance that these talks will be without commitment, will he at the same time give an assurance that, bearing in mind the composition of this meeting, nothing will be said or done there which may drive a wedge between the Anglo-Saxon and the Asian members of the British Commonwealth?

The Prime Minister

I do not think I ought to add to what I have said on the subject.