HC Deb 18 April 1956 vol 551 c987
16. Mr. Langford-Holt

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in confirmation of the recent statement of the policy of Her Majesty's Government in this regard, he will inform the Soviet leaders during their forthcoming visit to Great Britain that Her Majesty's Government believe the most effective way of relieving international tension and of achieving European security is by holding in all eastern European countries the genuinely free elections provided for under the terms of the Yalta and Potsdam agreements.

The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Selwyn Lloyd)

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given yesterday by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for Leeds, East (Mr. Healey) and the hon. Member for Ashfield (Mr. Warbey).

Mr. Langford-Holt

Does my right hon. and learned Friend agree that this is probably one of the most important matters which could be brought to the attention of the Russian leaders, and especially that, in their own interests, they should be made aware of the fact that security is to be gained not by the presence of resentful satellites, but rather of free and friendly neighbours upon their borders?

Mr. Lloyd

I agree with my hon. Friend about the importance of this subject.

Forward to