§ Q3. Mr. A. Hendersonasked the Prime Minister whether he will write to Mr. Khrushchev urging him to enter into an effective test ban agreement, so that all high-altiude and other tests can be ended.
§ The Prime MinisterThat was precisely the purpose of my letter to Mr. Khrushchev on 10th April. As the right hon. and learned Gentleman knows, my proposal was rejected. I do not believe that another approach to Mr. Khrushchev at this stage would achieve any useful purpose.
§ Mr. HendersonDid not the Prime Minister in his letter to Mr. Khrushchev propose that the progress of the Geneva Disarmament Conference should be made the subject of more frequent communications between President Kennedy, Mr. Khrushchev and himself? In view 1526 of the deadlock at Geneva, does not he consider that another direct approach might be made to Mr. Khrushchev, or has he come to the conclusion that no advance is likely to be made at Geneva until the present American series and the projected Soviet series of tests have been completed?
§ The Prime MinisterThe discussions at Geneva are continuing, and I have no doubt that they will reach the point at which they will be making their report.
§ Mr. ShinwellDoes the Prime Minister know that, with a few responsible colleagues, I today addressed a letter to Mr. Khrushchev suggesting that he should not proceed with his threat to undertake further atomic tests? Would the Prime Minister care to join me in my communication?
§ The Prime MinisterI am sure the right hon. Member has done a useful service. I have to choose the right moment and the right way to try to achieve the results which we have in mind.
§ Mr. Emrys HughesIs not the Prime Minister now in a hopeless position to remonstrate with Mr. Khrushchev, because he supported the American tests? Would he not have been in a much stronger position if he had opposed all tests? If he comes along with a story about the Russians polluting the atmosphere now, how will he reply to the allegations that that is unmitigated hypocrisy?
§ The Prime MinisterI think I am in a very strong position because for three years, without an agreement, we maintained the position and negotiated steadily and made almost every possible proposal. We were not rigid about that. Everything we put up has been rejected so far. That does not mean that we should lose hope of a final agreement.
§ Mr. HendersonWill the Prime Minister again make it clear that if the Soviet Union would now enter into a test ban treaty the present series of tests would end?
§ The Prime MinisterIf they would enter into a complete treaty for the banning of all tests I am quite sure that the President and I would wish as rapidly as possible to see such a treaty concluded.