HC Deb 21 March 1955 vol 538 cc1735-6
39. Mr. John Hall

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what consultations were held between Her Majesty's Government and the United States Government before publication of the Yalta Conference papers.

41. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the nature of his representations to the Government of the United States of America about the publication of the documents relating to the Yalta Conference.

Mr. Nutting

I have nothing to add to the reply which my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister gave on 17th March to a Question by the right hon. and learned Member for Rowley Regis and Tipton (Mr. A. Henderson).

Mr. Hall

Is my right hon. Friend aware that those people who regard the United States of America with the respect and affection due to a great and generous ally have been very shocked at the action of the State Department? Will he make it clear to the United States Government that although future publication of similar documents, such as the reports of the Potsdam and Casablanca Conferences, might enhance the reputation of those representing Her Majesty's Government at those conferences, they will have most undesirable international repercussions in so far as they will inhibit candid conversations at future high-level meetings, and might even make it impossible to arrange them?

Mr. Nutting

I think that the Government's view in this matter has been fully stated to the House by the Prime Minister, and also to the United States Government by the Foreign Secretary.

Mr. Hughes

Is the Minister aware that, far from being shocked at the publication of these statements, some of us strongly regret the anti-American sentiment now being shown against the United States Government for publishing documents which it is in the interests of people all over the world to read?

Mr. Nutting

I am relieved and delighted to hear that the hon. Member is shocked by anti-American sentiment.