§ Q4. Mr. A Hendersonasked the Prime Minister to what extent diplomatic discussions are now taking place with a view to arranging a summit conference between President Kennedy, Mr. Krushchev and himself.
§ The Prime MinisterAny diplomatic discussions of this kind would be confidential.
§ Mr. HendersonMay I ask the Prime Minister whether any consideration is being given to the establishment of direct communications between the three heads of Government, whether by tele-tape or radio-telephone, to enable discussions to take place on such problems as the deadlock on the number of on-site inspections?
§ The Prime MinisterThe actual method of discussion is one question. The important thing is whether discussions should or should not be arranged.
§ Sir C. OsborneMay I ask my right hon. Friend whether it would not be in the interest of the West itself to try to meet Mr. Khrushchev, since it would be a terrible tragedy for the world if he were to be replaced by a new Stalinist in Russia? Since Mr. Khrushchev has risked so much to try and get peace and co-operation with the West, should we not do all we can to meet him?
§ The Prime MinisterWe are indeed hoping that we shall be able to get agreement, arid I am in close contact with the President on the best method of proceeding.
§ Mr. P. Noel-BakerIn the course of writing to Mr. Khrushchev last year, the right hon. Gentleman said that he would be ready to go to Geneva at any moment if there were a deadlock. Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that there is a deadlock now?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. The proceedings have been very long, but there has been some movement. The next question is whether we can get some further movement.