HC Deb 14 March 1955 vol 538 c939
34. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what assurances have been given in respect of the Saar by Her Majesty's Government to the French and German Governments; and what representations have recently been made by these Governments to Her Majesty's Government as to our present and future attitude to this matter.

Mr. Turton

I have nothing to add to the reply given by my right hon. Friend on 9th March to the hon. Members for Lincoln (Mr. de Freitas) and Broxtowe (Mr. Warbey).

Mr. Sorensen

Has not the hon. Gentleman anything to add in view of the disputation which now exists over a question of interpretation? Would he not say something about that difference of opinion regarding the interpretation?

Mr. Turton

I do not think there has been any difference of opinion about the interpretation of the statement of my right hon. Friend on 9th March. I think it is preferable that the statement should remain without any emendation or addition by myself.

Mr. Warbey

Is it not clear from the reply that Her Majesty's Government have now definitely abandoned the assurance given to France in 1947?

Mr. Turton

I think that if the hon. Member refers to the reply of my right hon. Friend he will see that he is not quite accurate in his deductions.