HC Deb 28 November 1961 vol 650 cc234-5
Q4. Mr. Healey

asked the Prime Minister if he will seek an early meeting with Chancellor Adenauer to discuss the Berlin situation.

The Prime Minister

I hope that I shall be able to meet Dr. Adenauer before long, but I cannot say exactly when it will be.

Mr. Healey

In view of the disturbing reports that, at a meeting between Dr. Adenauer and President Kennedy last week, the German Chancellor agreed to negotiations on Berlin only under conditions which would make the success of negotiations impossible, can the right hon. Gentleman assure us that when he meets Dr. Adenauer—as I trust that he will—he will point out to him the great advantages to Germany, no less than to everybody else concerned, of discussing at this stage with Mr. Khrushchev the possibility of controlling arms and forces in Central Europe?

The Prime Minister

Of course, all those are wider questions. As the hon. Member perhaps knows, the Chancellor's visit to Paris has, unfortunately, had to be postponed owing to his illness. I understand that it is hoped that the visit will now take place on 9th December. On 13th December the N.A.T.O. Ministerial Council meets, when there will be opportunity for the Foreign Ministers to meet.

Mr. M. Foot

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that a meeting with Dr. Adenauer is especially urgent in view of the right hon. Gentleman's apparent unawareness of the reports to which my hon. Friend the Member for Nelson and Colne (Mr. S. Silverman) referred? Has not the right hon. Gentleman seen the widespread reports that President Kennedy agreed to drop any proposals about controlled armaments or disengagement under pressure from Dr. Adenauer? Is the Prime Minister telling us that he is unaware of these discussions?

The Prime Minister

Reports about private conversations between two statesmen are apt to be rather varied and sometimes rather inaccurate.