§ 41. Mr. Swinglerasked the Prime Minister if he will propose to the Summit Conference a declaration expressing the common interest of all peoples in peace and disarmament and their Government's determination to seek international agreement on complete disarmament, subject to maintaining security forces for internal purposes, commencing with nuclear disarmament and proportionate cuts in armed forces and the organisation of nuclear-free and limited arms zones under adequate international control, together with economic measures to expand civil production and trade.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerI have been asked to reply.
The Western Disarmament Plan is well known and a good one. But it would be unwise for me to anticipate the discussions on disarmament at the Summit Meeting.
§ Mr. SwinglerAs I understand that the Prime Minister is to speak at the end of the debate tonight, which we all welcome, may I confine myself to asking whether the right hon. Gentleman will draw the attention of the Prime Minister to the fact that he made a statement to the Russians:
It is not that we fear acts of calculated aggression, and I hope that you do not. At the same time it is impossible to hide from ourselves the dangers of a war by miscalculation or by muddle.In view of recent events, will he make sure that his right hon. Friend makes this his starting point at the Summit?
§ Mr. ButlerYes, Sir. I will draw my right hon. Friend's attention to the intervention of the hon. Gentleman.