HC Deb 25 April 1955 vol 540 cc619-20
53. Mr. Warbey

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what arrangements have now been made for a meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the four occupation Powers to conclude the Austrian State Treaty.

Mr. H. Macmillan

In a note to the Soviet Government on 22nd April, Her Majesty's Government agreed to participate at the earliest possible moment in a meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the four Powers, together with representatives of Austria, in order to sign the Austrian State Treaty. They proposed that the Ambassadors of the four Powers in Vienna should first meet there on 2nd May, together with Austrian representatives, in order to do the necessary preparatory work.

Mr. Warbey

Now that the Russian Government has at long last begun to take a more reasonable attitude towards the Austrian question, will the British Government do their best to remove any suspicion, which seems to exist in Austria itself, that there may be some dragging of the feet on the Western side?

Mr. Macmillan

I do not think that there could be much accusation of dragging of feet if we take a few days to consider something on which there has been 18 months' delay.

Mr. Shinweli

In view of the possibility of an early settlement, which everybody desires, can the right hon. Gentleman give any indication of when our troops can be withdrawn from Austria?

Mr. Macmillan

There is only one battalion in Austria, at the moment. I think one battalion was withdrawn some time ago, and therefore I hope that early signature will release the other battalion also.