HC Deb 08 March 1960 vol 619 cc239-40
40. Mr. Swingler

asked the Prime Minister what subjects he intends to discuss with President de Gaulle during his forthcoming visit.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Macmillan)

President de Gaulle invited me some weeks ago for a private visit. I accepted his invitation. We expect to discuss matters of common interest.

Mr. Swingler

I thank the Prime Minister for that enlightening reply and I am confident that the right hon. Gentleman will give President de Gaulle the benefit of the cumulative wisdom of Britain in handling colonial problems, including those of America, Ireland, India, Egypt, Kenya and Cyprus. Will the Prime Minister recall that the last disarmament proposals from which some hope was gained were made as Anglo-French proposals in 1955? In view of all the disturbing rumours about conditions of disarmament among the Western Powers, will he endeavour to arrive at an agreement with President de Gaulle for a new Anglo-French intiative for disarmament in Europe?

The Prime Minister

I do not wish, and I think the House would not expect me, to go into all the subjects which we might usefully discuss. May I point out that disarmament proposals are now to be put forward by the five Powers?

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