HC Deb 15 May 1958 vol 588 cc610-1
46. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Prime Minister if during his visit to the United States of America he proposes to discuss with President Eisenhower the strategy of nuclear war.

The Prime Minister

I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to the hon. Gentleman and other hon. Gentlemen on 20th March.

Mr. Hughes

Yes, but does not the Prime Minister think it time to discuss the whole question of strategy with President Eisenhower? Is he aware that the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Strategic Air Command of the U.S.A. said that it would be safer to be in a bomber over Moscow in the event of a war than to be a private citizen in New York? Is the right hon. Gentleman also aware that the Deputy Commander-in-Chief does not think that in an all-out war America or Russia would survive, and that a war would end civilisation for 2,000 years? If that be the strategy, is it not time that it was revised?

The Prime Minister

It is very useful to have advice as to the subjects which I ought to raise with the President of the United States. No doubt the whole problem which the hon. Gentleman has in mind will be raised, with other questions.

Mr. E. L. Mallalieu

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think it about time he had a discussion with the President on avoiding angry crowds for Vice-President Nixon?