HC Deb 13 June 1955 vol 542 c260
29. Mr. G. M. Thomson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will define the purposes of the proposed top-level conference with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.

Mr. H. Macmillan

The purposes of the four-Power meeting of Heads of Governments are defined in the note of invitation which the Western Governments sent to the Government of the U.S.S.R. on 10th May. They are to provide an opportunity for an exchange of views, and bases for the detailed work which will be required to remove the sources of conflict between East and West.

Mr. Thomson

Does the Foreign Secretary agree or disagree with the statement made by Mr. Foster Dulles that matters of substance would not be referred to this top-level conference?

Mr. Macmillan

I do not think the hon. Gentleman has exactly quoted the words. What was always understood was that at this first meeting there was no expectation of getting agreement upon substantive problems, but that there would be a broad interchange of views and a new impetus, therefore, given towards the means by which these problems could be first approached and then, we hope, resolved.