§ Q4 Mr. Zilliacusasked the Prime Minister (1) whether, on his forthcoming visit, he will propose to President Kennedy that, in view of Prime Minister Castro's agreement to a system of investigation on the spot, provided it 206 could be used by Cuba for investigating charges against other countries in the Caribbean as well as by them against Cuba, an international agreement under the auspices of the Security Council should be concluded which provided for such a system, based on the principle of reciprocity;
(2) whether, on his visit to President Kennedy, he will express the opposition of Her Majesty's Government to the establishment within the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation of a European nuclear force with nuclear weapons of its own.
§ Q7. Mrs. Castleasked the Prime Minister whether, during his forthcoming visit to the United States of America, he will discuss with President Kennedy the implementation of the United Nations resolution on economic sanctions against South Africa.
§ The Prime MinisterAs I told the House on 29th November, I expect to discuss with President Kennedy the general international situation in the light of events since our last meeting; but I think these discussions would lack spontaneity if I were to attempt to rehearse them in this House.
§ Mr. ZilliacusIs not the Prime Minister aware that since 29th November a great deal of public concern has been aroused about the prospect of a conflict between the British Government and the American Government on the issue of General de Gaulle's demand for an independent European nuclear force? Will he give an assurance that he will not pay this price for entering the Common Market?
As to my first Question, is he not aware that the United States President is keeping the threat of invasion suspended over Cuba to impose a unilateral system of investigation? Will he not insist on the principles of the Charter being observed in this matter?
§ The Prime MinisterI think that it is the general view of the House and the country that the President has acted in the Cuban crisis both with great skill and courage and prudence and good sense. It would be a very bad thing in any way to try to oppose his efforts to get this matter resolved in accordance with the undertaking given by the Chairman of the Soviet Republic. As to the 207 hon. Gentleman's first supplementary question, there is no connection between the two matters of the Common Market and a nuclear force.
§ Mrs. CastleIs the Prime Minister aware that he has not answered my Question? Is he not aware that on 7th November last the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution, by an overwhelming majority, calling on all member States to boycott South African goods and to refrain from exporting goods to South Africa, including all arms and ammunition? As member States will have to report what action they have taken under the resolution at the next meeting of the General Assembly, does not the right hon. Gentleman think that Britain and the United States, who claim to be supporters of the United Nations, should prove it by co-ordinating their action in support of this resolution?
§ The Prime MinisterIt is certainly the case that this resolution was passed by a two-thirds majority, but it has the force only of a recommendation. Her Majesty's Government's position was fully explained by our delegation during the debate.