HC Deb 06 May 1954 vol 527 cc580-1
45 Mr. Wyatt

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement on the differences of opinion that have arisen between Her Majesty's Government and the United States Government on the subject of Indo-China both before and during the Geneva Conference.

The Prime Minister (Sir Winston Churchill)

I think I should prefer to leave that mischief-making process to the hon. Member.

Mr. Wyatt

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that there are such grave rumours of differences current in Washington that Senator Knowland has said that Britain is no longer a dependable ally, and that "The Times," a very responsible organ, has suggested that the Government should make a statement of this kind to produce a more calming atmosphere? Does the right hon. Gentleman not know that only yesterday his own Minister of State said that no discussions at all had taken place about a South-East Asian defence pact while, at the same time, President Eisenhower was saying that substantial progress has been made.

The Prime Minister

I hope that when a statement is made of our relations with the United States it will cover not only divergencies on points of policy, but also those great factors of unity without which our survival would be in danger, and theirs, possibly, in danger, too.

Mr. Attlee

Why should the right hon. Gentleman assume that a Question of this kind is mischief-making when it is quite clear that there has been trouble in the United States as to exactly our attitude, and when a little clarification might make for better understanding and not mischief-making, which is far from the wish of those on this side of the House?

The Prime Minister

I think it is quite possible that a general statement upon the relations might be advantageous, but not a statement on the differences of opinion at this juncture.

Mr. Attlee

But if there is a difference, it is just as well to clear it up. It is not emphasising a difference to try to get rid of it.

Hon. Members

Ask "Nye."

Mr. Warbey

Is the Prime Minister going to say nothing about these very important differences in statements of fact which have taken place between this country and the United States, in view of the fact that the Minister of State has told the House quite categorically on no fewer than three occasions in the past 10 days that no discussions were taking place on the South-East Asian defence pact and that President Eisenhower has now publicly called him a liar? Is it not time that the right hon. Gentleman told us who is right? If President Eisenhower is right the Minister of State should apologise to this House.

The Prime Minister

That is just an example of the tendency I was deprecating. I must say that I think it utterly untrue to suggest that President Eisenhower called my right hon. and learned Friend a liar.