47. Mr. Leeasked the Prime Minister whether he will initiate discussions with the Prime Ministers of other Commonwealth Governments in order to agree upon a joint policy towards the Lebanon.
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. There is already, in accordance with normal procedure, constant exchange of views and information with other Commonwealth Governments about the situation in the Lebanon.
Mr. LeeDoes the Prime Minister agree that, while Commonwealth Governments will be very pleased at the improved relationships which now exist between the United Kingdom Government and the United States of America following the folly of Suez, nevertheless it would be a great tragedy if the close affinity of the Commonwealth itself were to suffer because of the closeness of our own Government with the United States? Is he not aware that there are reports that Mr. Diefenbaker, for instance, is extremely worried about a certain lack of co-operation which he feels exists in the shortage of information which is submitted to Canada?
§ The Prime MinisterI am sure that what the hon. Member said in the latter part of his supplementary question is not the case. I have made it a practice of being in constant communication with the Prime Ministers of the Commonwealth in a most intimate and frank way. It is part of the working of the Commonwealth to which I attach great importance.