§ Q2. Mr. A. Hendersonasked the Prime Minister whether he will now consult President Kennedy on the implications as affecting this country of his official proposal for an Atlantic partnership and the steps to be taken to make it a reality.
§ The Prime MinisterPresident Kennedy said in his speech on 4th July that it would be premature to do more than indicate the high regard with which the United States would view the formation of an Atlantic partnership. He went on to say that the first step in this direction must be the creation of unity in Europe. As I said in answer to the right hon. and learned Gentleman on 12th July, it has always been our policy to work towards the ever-closer union of the free world. Our immediate task is to try to bring the negotiations at Brussels to a successful conclusion.
§ Mr. HendersonIs it the Prime Minister's view that President Kennedy was putting forward long-term ideals rather than short-term practical proposals on this matter?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir. I think these are views which many people on both sides of the Atlantic have been thinking about, but these are perhaps, as the right hon. and learned Gentleman says, in the more distant future.