§ 42. Mr. A. Hendersonasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the deterioration in the Middle East situation, he will discuss this problem with President Eisenhower, Mr. Khrushchev, and General de Gaulle at the forthcoming Summit Conference.
§ The Prime MinisterIt has been agreed that there will be no formal agenda for the Summit Conference. I cannot therefore state in advance whether any subject, however important, will or will not be discussed.
§ Mr. HendersonIs it not essential to stabilisation of Middle East conditions that there should be understanding and co-operation between the Soviet Union and the three Western Governments? May I ask whether we can take it that there is a common policy between the three Western Governments about these problems of the Middle East?
§ The Prime MinisterIn answer to the right hon. and learned Gentleman's first point, I would say that that is certainly a consideration to be borne in mind. In answer to his second point, we have, I think, a very high degree of common agreement as to our policy.
§ Mr. GaitskellCan the Prime Minister say whether the three Powers concerned —the United States, France and ourselves—are agreed on the precise interpretation of the Tripartite Declaration?
§ The Prime MinisterI think that I should prefer to produce an answer to a question of that kind if it were put on the Order Paper.
§ Mr. HealeyAs this country is committed to trying to maintain a balance of arms among Middle Eastern countries and as this is impossible without Soviet co-operation, will the right hon. Gentleman at least seek to discuss this matter at the Summit Conference?
§ The Prime MinisterThat is one of the considerations to be borne in mind.