§ 45. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Prime Minister when he proposes to visit Berlin, in view of the increasing tension there.
§ The Prime MinisterI have no present plans for visiting Berlin.
§ Mr. HughesDoes the Prime Minister realise that a fresh approach is needed to the problem of Berlin, and that it would be a good thing if he went there himself and took Field Marshal Lord Montgomery there to advise him? Is he aware that Lord Montgomery has warned us that it is only a hope that the West can use military measures to keep open its communications with Berlin without being involved in a military clash with the Russians, which would result only in all-out nuclear war? Does not the Prime Minister think that it would be worth his while going to Berlin if he could ease the tension and stave this off?
§ The Prime MinisterI was rather wondering what the supplementary question would be. It is possible to meet Field Marshal Lord Montgomery without going to Berlin.
§ Mr. P. WilliamsWould not my right hon. Friend agree that the future of Berlin and of Europe is as important to Britain and the Commonwealth as is the question of the Common Market, and that the Commonwealth Prime Ministers ought to be called together for a consultation to decide what the action of Britain and the Commonwealth should be about both the Common Market and Berlin?
§ The Prime MinisterWe are always in the closest consultations with 1652 the Prime Ministers of the Commonwealth. Whether it would be possible to have another meeting of Prime Ministers, and when, is a matter that must be arranged by general convenience. That does not preclude constant—daily, almost—communications between us.