§ 46. Mr. A. Hendersonasked the Prime Minister to what extent his proposal for a security pact between the Governments of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and those of the Warsaw Pact remains his policy; and how far he has discussed this proposal with President Eisenhower in preparation for a Summit Conference.
§ The Prime MinisterNo doubt the right hon. and learned Gentleman has in mind what I said in a broadcast on 4th January, 1958, and repeated in a letter to Mr. Bulganin on 16th January.
I did not refer to any particular participants as the Question suggests, but threw out the idea as one which might prove helpful. But in the same declaration I said we needed deeds, not just words, to secure peace.
§ Mr. HendersonIn view of the statement yesterday by President Eisenhower that the United States were now prepared to enter a Summit Conference, can the Prime Minister say what advance has been made in the diplomatic discussions that are being held with a view to preparing the ground for a Summit Conference?
§ The Prime MinisterThere are discussions going on between us all as to the next best line of approach. The right hon. and learned Gentleman will remember that in the last reply to the Russian Government's letter we proposed a conference.