HC Deb 28 January 1958 vol 581 cc204-6
47. Mr. Lewis

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that Mr. Bulganin has declared himself to be in favour of the signing of a non-aggression pact between Great Britain and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics; and whether he will take the necessary action to initiate discussions with Mr. Bulganin for the signing of such a non-aggression pact.

Mr. R. A. Butler

I have been asked to reply.

This suggestion was dealt with by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister in his letter of 17th January to Mr. Bulganin.

Mr. Lewis

Can we have some information as to why progress is not being made? We have the Prime Minister making the suggestion, and immediately Mr. Bulganin accepts it and says that he is anxious to go ahead. May we be assured that it is not because Mr. John Foster Dulles happened to say that he was against it that no further progress has been made? Further, may we have an assurance that progress will be made in this matter?

Mr. Butler

My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, with my right hon. and learned Friend the Foreign Secretary, is at present drafting a reply to Mr. Bulganin's letter of 8th January, and we had better await that reply before we carry this constructive suggestion any further.

48. Mr. Lewis

asked the Prime Minister what actions he expects the Soviet Government to take to show their good faith before he will agree to a summit conference.

Mr. R. A. Butler

I have been asked to reply.

There is wide scope for such action on the part of the Soviet Government on many outstanding questions.

Mr. Lewis

But the Minister has not suggested one way which I requested in the Question—namely, are we to take it that, because Mr. Khrushchev has said that if he were here he would be a member of the Tory Party, as soon as he becomes a member of the Tory Party then we can expect some progress on the part of this Government?

Mr. Emrys Hughes

We shall have reached the summit then.

Mr. Butler

I am aware of many of Mr. Khrushchev's sayings, including those he made recently at a diplomatic party. All he says is very constructive and in some cases very enlightening. I do not think I should seek to draw him into our domestic politics.

Mr. Gaitskell

Can the acting Prime Minister say when we may expect a clear statement on the attitude of Her Majesty's Government to summit talks? Are they still insisting on certain conditions in the form of action by the Russians? Are they contemplating putting forward fresh proposals? Will he please clear up the confusion on this matter as soon as possible?

Mr. Butler

There is no confusion on the matter. We are replying as soon as convenient—and that, I hope, will not be too far away—to Mr. Bulganin's letter of 8th January. When we so reply, I do not think the position will be quite so bad as stated by the right hon. Gentleman in his question. I hope we shall be able to send a reply which will be accepted as fair by all.

49. Mr. Lewis

asked the Prime Minister whether he will arrange to publish as a White Paper the whole of the correspondence which has passed between him and the leaders of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, during the past six months, on the need for summit talks to resolve international difficulties.

Mr. R. A. Butler

I have been asked to reply.

When my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has answered Mr. Bulganin's letter of 8th January the hon. Member's suggestion will certainly be considered.

Mr. Lewis

While thanking the Minister for that Answer, may I inquire whether I may be assured that the reply will be sent as quickly as possible?

Mr. Butler

Yes, certainly, Sir.