§ 46. Mr. Swinglerasked the Prime Minister why he proposed to the Soviet leaders a joint declaration of peaceful intentions in preference to the proposal for a solemn pact of non-aggression between the West and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, which he put forward on 4th January, 1958.
§ The Prime MinisterI put this forward because I thought a short and simple declaration was something we might do together without delay. A more general and comprehensive pact would require a longer period to arrange.
§ Mr. SwinglerDid not the Prime Minister put forward a proposal, in January, 1958, for a non-aggression pact between the N.A.T.O. Powers in Western Europe and the Soviet Union, whereas the present proposal is merely for an Anglo-Soviet declaration of peaceful intentions? Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that his original proposal for an agreement involving all the Western Powers in some security guarantee with the Soviet Union is the better proposal?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir, but that may well come at the end of the successful negotiations which I hope will result. Meanwhile, I thought it would be quite a good thing to do something between the Soviet Union and ourselves.
§ Mr. Emrys Hughesis the Prime Minister aware that I heard him deliver nine speeches in the Soviet Union and that they got better as they went on, and I was afraid that when he returned be would be expelled by the Conservative Party? Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether the policy of Her Majesty's Government will be as good as the speeches which he made in Russia?
§ The Prime MinisterI observed the hon. Gentleman at these various meetings. I did not quite know whether he was present as a Member of Parliament or as a journalist. I think he had what one might call temporary rank as a journalist. But I am glad he liked my speeches, and I am glad that we are back again to interchange our Questions and Answers.