HC Deb 28 May 1962 vol 660 cc965-7
29. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Lord Privy Seal what consultations he is having with the United States Government with regard to President Kennedy's proposal for the creation of an international access authority as part of an interim solution of the Berlin problem.

32. Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make a statement on the latest progress made for a settlement of the German problem.

34. Mr. Mayhew

asked the Lord Privy Seal what recent information he has received from the United States Government concerning the progress of negotiations with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on Berlin.

Mr. Godber

We are in regular consultation with the United States Government on the whole question of a Berlin settlement, including the possibility of creating an International Access Authority. They are keeping us fully informed, but the United States Secretary of State has not discussed the question with the Soviet Ambassador since 27th April.

Mr. Henderson

In view of the recent statement of the East German Prime Minister that the East German Government would only accept an international arbitration board, can we take it that Her Majesty's Government will continue their support of the proposal of the United States Government that there should be at least a thirteen-Power international control commission over the access routes, including representatives of both East and West Germany?

Mr. Godber

We certainly support the attitude of the United States in this. We entirely concur in it. But what is most regrettable as far as we are concerned is the attitude of the Russians and their allies in regard to what they claim to be the necessity of the evacuation of allied garrisons from Berlin. We cannot, of course, agree to that.

Mr. Allaun

Is not the lack of progress following the American proposal, mainly due to Dr. Adenauer's intransigence? In view of the danger of an incident starting in Berlin, is not this delay dangerous?

Mr. Godber

I do not think that it is fair to put it in that context. It is clear that the Federal German Government and Dr. Adenauer are not opposed to these talks going forward in this form.

Mr. Mayhew

Is the hon. Gentleman suggesting that the cause of delay is the Soviet objection? What is the next move in these discussions? Who is holding them up?

Mr. Godber

The discussions are proceeding, I admit not very quickly. They have been slowed down by mutual consent because of the complications inherent in them and the need on both sides to consider the position more fully. I should like the discussions to go forward faster. Certainly there is no indication on the Western side that we have any desire not to proceed, and, as far as I am aware, the United States Secretary of State is willing to see the Soviet Ambassador at any moment to continue the talks.