HC Deb 28 June 1955 vol 543 cc196-8
45. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Prime Minister what steps he has taken during the last two months for securing talks at top level between the Governments of Britain, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and China, with a view to limiting the arms race and promoting agreements for international peace.

The Prime Minister (Sir Anthony Eden)

The hon. and learned Member will be aware of the steps which have been taken to secure talks at the highest level between the Governments of the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, which are due to take place at Geneva on 18th July. There is no question, at the present time, of seeking a further conference different in composition and overlapping in scope with the conference due to take place at Geneva.

Mr. Hughes

Is it not a fact that everything so far done about the summit talks since the Government took over Labour policy in this matter has been of an inchoate and nebulous character? Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that I am asking him about two specific matters—the arms race and international peace? Has he nothing to say about them?

The Prime Minister

If the hon. and learned Gentleman, in the course of his studies, had been good enough to read the proposal of the Allied Powers for this meeting, he would have read that the agenda at Geneva does not exclude any topic from discussion. It is hardly for the Prime Minister of this country to lay down for all the other countries exactly what should be discussed.

49. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement on the agreement of the four Foreign Ministers that any subject which is contributory to the cause of world tension may be raised at the forthcoming Geneva Conference.

The Prime Minister

No formal agreement on this matter has been reached by the four Foreign Ministers, but it is clear from the terms of the invitation which the Governments of the United Kingdom, the United States of America and France addressed to the Soviet Government on 10th May that, so far as they are concerned, any subject may be raised.

Mr. Henderson

Does that refer to the meeting of the heads of Government, as opposed to the separate meetings we are told are to be held by the Foreign Ministers?

The Prime Minister

That is in our Note dealing with the meeting of the heads of Government. That is our position.