§ 44. Mr. Healeyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what reply Her Majesty's Government have made to the official statement of the Soviet Government on 17th November concerning disarmament and the easing of international tension.
§ Commander NobleI have nothing to add to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal on 4th December to the hon. Member for Ashfield (Mr Warbey).
§ Mr. HealeyIs the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the Soviet statement offers the first real chance of fruitful negotiations for a European settlement since the war? Is he also aware that some agreement on the reciprocal withdrawal of troops would be the only possible way of helping the Hungarian people in their agony? Will he snap out of the trance induced by the Government's failures in another part of the world and address himself to this urgent problem?
§ Commander NobleWe are, of course, ready at all times to consider constructive disarmament proposals. The timing of the latest Soviet proposals, however, raises doubts as to their genuineness. There appears to be little new in them. Their primary purpose appears to be to divert attention from the brutal Soviet oppression of freedom in Hungary.
§ Mr. YoungerCan the Minister of State, despite that rather unpromising reply, give us an assurance that this matter is being discussed either in N.A.T.O. or through some other channel? Or is this another occasion on which inter-allied co-operation has broken down?
§ Commander NobleWe naturally wish to discuss these details thoroughly and to consult our allies, and that we are doing.