§ 41. Mr. Stonehouseasked the Prime Minister when he expects to meet President Kennedy to discuss the policies of the Western Alliance, the calling of a Summit conference and the need to admit the People's Republic of China to the United Nations.
§ 44. Mr. Donnellyasked the Prime Minister what plans he has now made for a meeting with the President of the United States of America.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Macmillan)As I have said before, I look forward to early discussions with the President of the United States about all the international problems which confront us. But as President Kennedy has only just been inaugurated, it is too soon for firm plans yet to have been made.
§ Mr. StonehouseWhilst we may welcome the change of mood in the United States, is not this a unique opportunity for the Prime Minister himself to take the initiative, particularly in relation to the United States' relations with China? Will the right hon. Gentleman press on the United States the wisdom of establishing more normal relations with China and, in particular, admitting China to the United Nations?
§ The Prime MinisterThat is quite a large issue. The first thing which I have tried to answer is whether or when I shall have an opportunity of discussion with the President. I hope I shall have. The inauguration of President Kennedy took place only last Friday and it is too early to make an announcement on that matter.
§ Mr. DonnellyIn view of the uncertainty of the right hon. Gentleman's plans, will he consider in the meanwhile consulting with the Leader of the Opposition to get a report on the competence of the Kennedy administration, as compared with the staleness and mediocrity of his own?
§ The Prime MinisterI have had the great advantage of having seen all that on television.
§ Mr. GaitskellWhile appreciating that it may be necessary for a little time to elapse before the President can see the Prime Minister and discuss with him the wide range of international questions which need to be discussed, is the Prime Minister aware that there is an urgent need for discussions on the economic situation? Will the Prime Minister arrange at least for official discussions to take place as soon as possible so that the policies on interest rates of the two countries can be brought into line?
§ The Prime MinisterAll the time very close discussions are going on, but I will take note of what the right hon. Gentleman has said.
§ Mr. C. OsborneWill the Prime Minister bear in mind that China's great need is not a seat in the United Nations but food, oil and machinery—food, above all things? Will he use all the powers he has to persuade our American friends to send some of their surplus food to the starving millions of China?
§ The Prime MinisterThat is another aspect of this problem. I fully agree that some of the practical problems are as important as the diplomatic ones.