§ 51. Mr. E. Fletcherasked the Prime Minister whether he will send a telegram or other message to Marshal Bulganin on his appointment as Prime Minister of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.
§ The Prime MinisterThis is not the custom, and I see no reason to depart from precedent.
§ Mr. FletcherWill not the Prime Minister agree that, whatever may be the significance of the recent changes in Moscow, it is very desirable that he should try to establish cordial relations with Marshal Bulganin in view of the heavy responsibility that he has undertaken as head of a friendly Power?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir, but in these matters one must conform to the general precedents which have been established.