§ 41. Mr. Swinglerasked the Prime Minister if, following his talks with President Kennedy, he will now put forward proposals for the definition and recognition of Germany's frontiers.
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. The attitude of Her Majesty's Government remains as stated in the reply given to the hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton (Mr. Zilliacus) on the 11th November, 1959.
§ Mr. SwinglerDoes the Prime Minister not consider that the Answer to which he has referred was evasive? Why does the Prime Minister say this? Does he consider that the frontiers of Germany at present are in dispute between Britain and countries neighbouring Germany? Why should the right hon. Gentleman in this respect not follow the example of President de Gaulle in declaring recognition of the existing frontiers, thereby subduing the controversy created by the territorial claims made by German Ministers?
§ The Prime MinisterThe view of all our allies, as far as I know, is that Germany should be reunited in conditions which would safeguard all the legitimate interests of Europe as a whole and of Germany's neighbours in particular.
§ Mr. SwinglerIs the Prime Minister aware that President de Gaulle has declared that he accepts the existing frontiers of Germany as a basis for negotiating about Germany? Would not a declaration by the British Prime Minister to this effect also be a measure for reducing tension without altering the existing situation?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not think that at this moment this is really the most important issue that we have to face. If we ever get, as I hope we shall, into some kind of negotiation, that is another question. 1174 At present we are being threatened by an ex parte attack on our rights and obligations.