HC Deb 07 February 1961 vol 634 cc210-1
44. Mr. Pentland

asked the Prime Minister, in view of improved Soviet-American relations, what action he now intends to take, in collaboration with the heads of Government of France and the United States of America, to improve relations between Russia and the United Kingdom.

The Prime Minister

As I reminded the House on 24th January, the three Western Powers issued a statement in Paris after the failure of the Summit Conference stating that they were ready to take part in negotiations at any suitable time in the future. This remains our policy, and we will act accordingly.

Mr. Penrland

I welcome that reply, but will the Prime Minister assure the House that he will not allow any disappointment he may have felt over the failure of the Summit Conference in Paris last year to deter him, during his forthcoming talks with President Kennedy, from proposing the desirability of once again making a combined approach to Mr. Khrushchev in order to discuss the possibility of another Summit Conference in 1961?

The Prime Minister

All these things must, of course, be discussed. Certainly, disappointments should not rule one's sentiments; they should be a spur to further action