HC Deb 27 July 1959 vol 610 cc11-2
16. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement on the progress achieved at the Foreign Ministers' Conference at Geneva.

18. Mr. Warbey

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the progress of the Geneva Conference of Foreign Ministers.

Mr. Profumo

Discussions at Geneva since the resumption of the Conference have concentrated mainly upon a possible interim agreement with regard to Berlin. There has also been discussion with the Soviet Foreign Minister on his proposal for establishing machinery to discuss all-German questions during the period of an interim agreement. Since discussions are continuing, I should prefer not to go into greater detail at the moment.

Mr. Henderson

In view of the statement made by the Foreign Secretary to the Press yesterday, may we take it that some progress is being made and that the Foreign Secretary is reasonably optimistic about some results being achieved?

Mr. Profumo

My right hon. and learned Friend still thinks it possible to reach a limited agreement.

Mr. Warbey

Is the hon. Member aware that public opinion is disturbed by the irresponsible behaviour of some of the Western delegates, who appear to greet every Soviet concession by raising new obstacles? Does he agree that there now lie to hand elements of a possible agreement on Berlin and machinery for discussion of the all-German question?

Mr. Profumo

I do not want to add anything to what I have already said.

Dame Florence Horsbrugh

Does my hon. Friend realise that public opinion is very anxious that no basic principles will be abandoned during this Conference and that in any negotiations which may take place we shall stand by what we have stated as being absolutely necessary?

Mr. Profumo

I can certainly give the undertaking which my right hon. Friend wants.

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