§ 5. Mr. A. Hendersonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will state the policy of Her Majesty's Government with regard to the recent offer of the Soviet Prime Minister to discuss the problem of safeguards against surprise attack.
§ Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (Commander Allan Noble)Ever since last July, my right hon. and learned Friend has repeatedly urged the Soviet Government to join in practical studies of measures to guard against surprise attack. We are therefore very glad that discussions should now be going on as to a meeting of experts to deal with this matter. Provided the Soviet Government are now prepared to join without commitment in studying the requirements and technique of inspection, Her Majesty's Government will welcome the opportunity of making progress on these lines.
§ Mr. HendersonCan the right hon. and gallant Gentleman give any indication of the progress which has been made in the discussions which have taken place with the United States Government and with the Soviet Government?
§ Commander NobleNo, I am afraid that I cannot give the right hon. and learned Gentleman any more information today. The Soviet proposals were made in a letter from Mr. Khrushchev to President Eisenhower, and we are now discussing the proposals with the Americans.