HC Deb 17 February 1955 vol 537 cc555-6
45. Mr. Lewis

asked the Prime Minister whether he will extend an invitation to President Eisenhower to visit this country and discuss with him international problems, with particular reference to Formosa; and whether he will offer to visit the President in the United States of America for this purpose.

The Prime Minister (Sir Winston Churchill)

The President has long known how glad we should be to welcome him in our country, to which he has had cordial invitations. I have, in fact, been three times to see him in the United States or at Bermuda since he was elected President, and I would gladly go again if the occasion was opportune. But I think I must be the judge of that.

Mr. Lewis

With regard to the latter part of my Question and the reply thereto, does not the Prime Minister remember that on a similar occasion, when international difficulties were rather grave, his predecessor, quite rightly, took the opportunity of flying to America to see the former President of the United States? Does the right hon. Gentleman not feel that, in view of the grave situation and the deep concern felt in the world about this subject and many other subjects, it would be wise for him to consider such a trip now?

The Prime Minister

I think that I must be the judge of these matters.