HC Deb 17 February 1960 vol 617 cc1272-3
24. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, following the recent French atomic explosion in the Sahara Desert, he will propose that the French Government be invited to participate in the Geneva Conference on the discontinuance of nuclear tests.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

This is a matter which has to be considered in the light of previous statements of policy by the French Government and also of the fact that the negotiations have been going on for fifteen months on a tripartite basis.

My own present feeling is that it is better to try to complete our work on a tripartite basis in the hope that other countries will accede afterwards.

Mr. Henderson

As, according to reports, the French Government intend to carry out more nuclear explosions, can we take it that Her Majesty's Government will do all they can to ensure that the French Government will at least adhere to any agreement that may be reached at the Geneva Conference?

Mr. Lloyd

I have stated our position with regard to that matter. I do not think that to introduce a fourth negotiator at this stage of the conference would tend to speed up its conclusion.