HC Deb 12 February 1958 vol 582 cc391-2
48. Mr. Warbey

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now in a position to state the British Government's policy in regard to the Polish proposals for an atom-free zone in Central Europe, under an effective system of control, and as a preliminary step towards the reduction and eventual withdrawal of foreign troops stationed within that area.

Commander Noble

The proposals referred to by the hon. Member are still being considered by Her Majesty's Government in consultation with their North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Allies. I therefore regret I am not in a position to make a statement of Her Majesty's Government's policy about these questions.

Mr. Warbey

Have the Government taken into account a highly significant statement issued in Moscow last week in which the Polish and Soviet Foreign Ministers jointly declared their readiness to take part in an effective system of control in the proposed atom-free zone? As this represents a very important concession to the Western point of view, cannot the Government now take this matter up and get things moving?

Commander Noble

The Government consider all statements made from Moscow. As I said, we have not finished our examination.

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