HC Deb 27 April 1955 vol 540 cc907-8
2. Mr. D. Healey

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what recent steps he has taken to secure a conference concerning the reunification of Germany.

7. Mr. Warbey

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now in a position to announce the proposals of the Government for the reunification of Germany, following the ratification of the Paris Agreements.

The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Harold Macmillan)

I have nothing to add to the reply I gave in answer to Questions by the hon. Member for Blackburn, East (Mrs. Castle) and the hon. Member for Pembroke (Mr. Donnelly) on 25th April, in which I set out the programme in full. All these matters have first to be discussed with the other Governments concerned. We act together.

Mr. Healey

In view of the growing anxiety in Western Germany about the prospects of German reunification, can the Foreign Secretary assure the House that Her Majesty's Government will take the initiative in proposing a new Western approach to Russia on conditions less rigid than those maintained at the Berlin Conference?

Mr. Macmillan

We shall first discuss with all our friends, including our German friends. The meetings of the expert advisers start today, and we shall have the opportunity in Paris of further intimate discussions with all the Ministers concerned. I think the best contribution that I can make is in concert with them to see what is the best approach.

Mr. Warbey

As imaginative and conciliatory gestures are now coming from Washington, Peking and Moscow, cannot we have something from London as well? Will not the Government now make a new proposal which would take Germany right out of the strategic conflict between East and West?

Mr. Macmillan

I think it would be very unwise of me to make a new proposal without consultation with our German friends.

Sir L. Ungoed-Thomas

Is it not correct that, once sovereignty is granted, there is nothing to prevent Western Germany from having unilateral negotiations with Russia for reunification?

Mr. Macmillan

There is no legal objection to the Western German Government acting unilaterally, but I have no doubt that they will act with us as allies in this matter after 5th May as they are doing now.