§ 46. Mr. Swinglerasked the Prime Minister in what form he communicated to President Eisenhower the results of his discussions with the French Prime Minister; and what official communications have passed between him and the French Prime Minister since the latter's visit to London.
§ The Prime MinisterIt would not be in accordance with normal practice in relations with our Allies to disclose the content of confidential exchanges—if and when there happen to be any.
§ Mr. SwinglerAre we to understand from that reply that exchanges have been taken place; and is the Prime Minister aware of the spreading bewilderment and confusion about certain aspects of Western policy, especially in relation to the Middle East and the handling of the disarmament proposals? Are we to take it from his silence on this subject that he gives consent to M. Mollet's criticisms of Western and particularly American foreign policy, since these were made after and not before M. Mollet's visit to London?
§ The Prime MinisterM. Mollet is entitled to say anything he wishes at any time in the French Chamber or anywhere else. I was answering the Question on the Order Paper, and I thought that I had answered it in such a way that no undue harm was likely to result.