§ 43. Mr. A. Hendersonasked the Prime Minister whether he will propose to President Kennedy and Mr. Khrushchev that the three nuclear powers should immediately conclude a treaty not to transfer nuclear weapons to other countries or groups of nations.
§ The Prime MinisterI have every sympathy with the right hon. and learned Gentleman's objective. I think that the most effective first step towards this objective would be the speedy conclusion of a Treaty to stop the testing of nuclear weapons.
§ Mr. HendersonDoes the Prime Minister agree that it is very much in the general interest to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons? Would not such a treaty make a substantial contribution to achieving that result?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, but if we cannot make progress with the much easier treaty to arrange, namely, the one now being discussed at Geneva, I do not think that we are likely to make progress in this wider sphere. I reiterate the hope which is widely felt in every part of the House and the country, namely, that progress will be made and that the Soviet representatives will adopt a more constructive attitude at the Geneva Conference.