HC Deb 19 April 1956 vol 551 cc1171-2
45. Mr. Beswick

asked the Prime Minister to what extent he discussed policy in relation to disarmament during his talks with Preisdent Eisenhower in January.

The Lord Privy Seal (Mr. R. A. Butler)

I have been asked to reply.

My right hon. Friend cannot add to the document published after the Washington meetings, including the Declaration over his name and that of the President of the United States of America.

Mr. Beswick

Does not the Lord Privy Seal agree that it is rather regrettable that on this important matter there should be such a divergence of policy between the United States, on the one hand, and France and ourselves, on the other? Are we to understand either that this matter was not discussed or that, if it was, we made no impression upon the United States?

Mr. Butler

I do not accept the hon. Member's last point that we made no impression in our talks. I also do not accept that there is a divergence of policy. I think that, if the hon. Gentleman will read paragraph 7 of the statement signed by the President of the United States and the Prime Minister of this country, he will see that there is a generous unanimity of opinion on this important subject. I do agree with the hon. Member that it is important that we should keep together and make progress both now and in the future on this matter.