HC Deb 25 July 1960 vol 627 cc1055-6
11. Mr. Zilliacus

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs by what authority Her Majesty's Embassy staff in Vienna took part in the boycott of Mr. Khrushchev's arrival in Austria; and what was the reason for associating them with this action.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

In accordance with his instructions, Her Majesty's Ambas sador in Vienna conformed with Austrian official practice. This does not normally, and did not on this occasion, provide for the attendance of heads of mission at the airport on the arrival of an official guest of the Austrian Government.

Mr. Zilliacus

I am grateful for that reply. Would the right hon. and learned Gentleman make it clear that the Press reports of a deliberate boycott, as an act of discourtesy initiated by the Americans, were not accurate and that no such move was intended?

Mr. Lloyd

There was no such boycott. I think there was no more resentment than I felt at the fact that the Soviet Ambassador did not meet me.