HC Deb 12 November 1957 vol 577 cc773-4
45. Mr. Lewis

asked the Prime Minister whether he will take the necessary action to extend an invitation to President Eisenhower to visit this country during his forthcoming visit to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Council meeting in Paris, and further take the opportunity of inviting the heads of state of France and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics to visit this country to enable talks to ensue on international problems concerning difficulties between the countries of the world, thus easing international tension.

63. Mr. Lipton

asked the Prime Minister whether he will invite President Eisenhower to visit this country in December.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Macmillan)

We would much welcome a return visit to this country by the President of the United States. I know that the President is aware of this. He has, however, informed me that to his great regret he cannot make such a visit on this particular occasion.

Mr. Lewis

While I appreciate that, for reasons best known to himself, the President cannot make it on this occasion, will the Prime Minister bear in mind the suggestion and take an early opportunity to arrange such a discussion?

The Prime Minister

Yes, Sir. I am sure the whole country would welcome a return visit by the President after the visit of Her Majesty to the United States, but, as I feel the hon. Gentleman will understand, a good deal of advance planning is necessary and such a visit has to lit with other commitments.

Mr. Lipton

Is the Prime Minister aware that, according to a statement issued from 10, Downing Street, it appears that the President's next visit must be a State visit and that is the reason why he cannot call here on his way back from Paris? Will he nevertheless make it clear that if the President wants to pay an unofficial visit to London he will be just as welcome as if he comes on a State visit, and if Mr. Khrushchev wants to drop in at the same time, so much the better?

The Prime Minister

Yes, Sir, but I think it would be the wish of the President of the United States that his visit should be carried out in a manner worthy of a return visit to that of Her Majesty the Queen to the United States.