§ 24. Mr. Zilliacusasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the intention announced in the Defence White Paper to reduce the British Army on the Rhine from 77,000 to 64,000 in the next twelve months, with further reductions in the autumn subject to consultation with the allied Governments, he will propose to these Governments and the Soviet Government an agreement for the withdrawal of foreign forces from Germany and her neighbours and the unification of Germany within the United Nations and an all-European regional arrangement based on the Charter.
§ Mr. Selwyn LloydNo, Sir.
§ Mr. ZilliacusIs the Foreign Secretary aware that the alternative to a political settlement is to go on with the arms race in nuclear weapons, with Germany and her neighbours to the east and west all getting these nuclear weapons? In view of that appalling prospect, will he not make a fresh attempt to get some kind of agreement? Is he not aware that the Labour Party and the Social Democratic Party of Germany do accept this basis of agreement, and that there are indications that the Soviet Government also do so? Will he not make the attempt?
§ Mr. LloydI think that the hon. Member is in complete disagreement with his right hon. Friend the Leader of the Opposition, who has stated that he thinks that there is not the slightest chance of the Soviet Union accepting this proposal. I really think that our own proposals for the reunification of Germany are much more likely to produce a peaceful Europe than is any suggestion of this sort.
§ Mr. ZilliacusThey have produced nothing but deadlock for years.
§ 32. Mr. Youngerasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many meetings have been held by the study group which is considering the unification 1912 of Germany and upon which Her Majesty's Government is represented; when it will meet again; and whether he will make a statement about its progress.
§ Mr. Selwyn LloydThe Group met in Washington from 6th to 15th March. The report is now being considered by Governments and is being discussed in the North Atlantic Council. The Group may meet again shortly; the actual date has not yet been agreed with our allies.
§ Mr. YoungerDoes the Foreign Secretary agree that it would be desirable for some statement to be made fairly soon about its progress? In view of the fact that many Conservative speakers seem to be ready to cast doubts upon any suggestion made from other quarters about the reunification of Germany, does he not think that the Government should make clear any proposals that they are prepared to make on this important subject?
§ Mr. LloydWhether or not the right hon. Gentleman is right in what he suggested about Conservative speakers, I think that it is desirable that there should be a restatement of the position of Her Majesty's Government and of our principal allies upon this matter, but I still believe that the proposals that have already been put forward are, in fact, the best basis for an agreement.