§ Q3. Mr. A. Hendersonasked the Prime Minister what discussions he has had with President Kennedy on the proposal for a détente between North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and the Warsaw Pact Governments.
§ The Prime MinisterWe are in close touch with our allies about all suggestions for international détente, and I am in close communication with President Kennedy on this as on other matters.
§ Mr. HendersonWould not such an arrangement make a significant contribution to the reduction of East-West tension? May we take it from the Prime Minister's reply that in the event of negotiations in Cuba coming to a successful conclusion, Her Majesty's Government would give the most favourable consideration to any proposed arrangements as suggested by both President Kennedy and Mr. Khrushchev?
§ The Prime MinisterYes. Of course, if we were to get a détente, which means, really, the removal of the whole tension between East and West, we should have solved the problem and, of course, we should be gratified were that to happen.
§ Mr. HendersonMay I ask the Prime Minister to make quite clear that he is not excluding the fact that both President Kennedy and Mr. Khrushchev were referring to an arrangement between the blocs and neither of them was indicating that they were suggesting a détente? If they had a détente, surely it was in reference to something in the nature of a non-aggression pact?
§ The Prime MinisterI only took the word which the right hon. and learned Gentleman used—I am sure he wants the same as I do. There has been a good deal of talk about the possibility of a détente between East and West, between the two great groups, and I say that that, of course, is the object we all would welcome.