§ 46. Mr. Donnellyasked 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 MinisterNo, Sir. I cannot disclose the content of confidential exchanges with our Allies.
§ Mr. DonnellyDoes 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 MinisterYes, 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. MorrisonMay 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 MinisterI 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.