§ 43. Mr. Bowlesasked the Prime Minister on what date he communicated with Dr. Adenauer concerning his recent talks with President de Gaulle.
§ The Prime MinisterThe personal messages that I may from time to time exchange with other Heads of Government are normally confidential, and I prefer not to reveal any details about them.
§ Mr. BowlesThe Prime Minister seems to be very cynical. He refuses to tell the House of Commons and the British people what he communicates to Dr. Adenauer. Does it not strike him as rather extraordinary that we should be left out and not given information which he gives to the Germans?
§ The Prime MinisterNo. The habit of interchange between Heads of friendly Governments may be a good or a bad thing. Some people may think that we should work entirely upon the old-fashioned diplomatic note. However, we have instituted the system of interchange between Heads of Governments and its whole basis is that such communications should be regarded as personal and private.
§ Mr. HealeyWhile not pressing the Prime Minister on the content of these communications, may I ask him whether Dr. Adenauer has reciprocated his courtesy by giving the Prime Minister a report of his conversations with General de Gaulle?
§ The Prime MinisterI am not prepared to comment on this at all.