HC Deb 01 March 1955 vol 537 cc1879-80
46. Mr. Donnelly

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement on the consultations that have taken place with the United States and French Governments regarding a Four-Power Conference after the Paris Agreements have been ratified.

The Prime Minister

No, Sir. I cannot disclose the content of confidential exchanges with our Allies.

Mr. Donnelly

Does the Prime Minister not think it very important that the Government should make their policy on this matter as clear as possible as soon as possible?

The Prime Minister

Yes, Sir, certainly, but I have nothing to add to what the Foreign Secretary told the House on 16th February. On the general question of Four-Power talks, I have nothing to add to the statements which I made on 16th December and 25th January, with the references to which I should be very glad to furnish the hon. Member after his long travels.

Mr. H. Morrison

May we take it from the Prime Minister that as and when the Treaty is ratified—and Germany has now ratified—the Government will give favourable consideration to the possibility of Four-Power talks, which should be advantageous to Europe and the world?

The Prime Minister

I think the argument has been used several times, and with great effect, that the shortest way to getting Four-Power talks is to get the ratification over and out of the way.