47. Miss Leeasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how far the Anglo-American Good Offices Commission has been able to assure President Bourgiba that France unreservedly accepts 29 the full independence of Tunisia and will not attempt to maintatin French troops on Tunisian territory without the consent of the Tunisian Government.
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Ian Harvey)As my right hon. and gallant Friend pointed out in reply to a Question by the hon. Member for Bristol, South-East (Mr. Benn) on 17th March, it is of the essence of the good offices procedure that the discussions should remain confidential. I am not prepared to make any comments on the conversations which Mr. Murphy and Mr. Beeley have had with the French and Tunisian Governments.
Miss LeeWhile accepting that reply, may I ask whether the House can at least be assured that the British point of view is in no way ambiguous?
§ Mr. HarveyI certainly give the assurance that our position is quite clear and that our main aim is to bring about agreement between our two friends.