HC Deb 27 November 1962 vol 668 cc201-3
Q2. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Prime Minister to what extent it remains the policy of Her Majesty's Government to subscribe to a pact or declaration of nonaggression with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics as stated by him on 5th March, 1959.

The Prime Minister

We are in favour of any measure which can genuinely help to reduce international tension. As I told the right hon. and learned Gentleman on 15th November, we are in close touch with our allies about all suggestions for an international detente.

Mr. Henderson

In view of the real improvement in the Cuban situation, is it not time that further steps were taken to secure a general lessening of East-West tension, and would not a nonaggression pact between the N.A.T.O. Powers and the Warsaw Powers make a valuable contribution to that end?

The Prime Minister

Of course, all these matters are for consideration. I think that what I have particularly in mind now is to try to solve some of the immediate problems such as the first stage in disarmament, the banning of tests, and perhaps measures against surprise attack. It is to consult over this very vital field, on which I know the right hon. Gentleman and I are in complete agreement, that I want to meet both President de Gaulle and the President of the United States of America.

Mr. Gaitskell

Was it not during the Prime Minister's talks with Mr. Khrushchev that this idea of a nonaggression pact was mooted, and was it not also then that the idea of a zone of controlled disarmament in Central Europe was discussed and it was suggested by the Prime Minister that it should be further studied? Since this kind of proposal through the Rapacki Plan has now been proposed at Geneva, will the Prime Minister suggest to our Western allies that they should look more favourably on this project than they have done in the past?

The Prime Minister

I will bear in mind what the right hon. Gentleman has said, and nobody is more interested to make progress than I am. On the other hand, I think the right hon. Gentleman would agree that before I undertake these talks it would be unwise to particularise.

Mr. Henderson

May I ask the Prime Minister whether we may take it that this proposal will be considered in the talks that he is to have with President Kennedy?

The Prime Minister

Of course, it is possible far me to consider it, and I have it in mind, but I am very anxious to try to make progress with some more immediate and practical problems which might be possible of solution at the present time.