§ Q6. Mr. Zilliacusasked the Prime Minister whether he will, after the conclusion of a partial nuclear test ban treaty, make proposals designed to bridge the gap between the United States and Soviet draft treaty proposals on the duration and contents of the first stage of disarmament.
§ The Prime MinisterI hope that the successful conclusion of the Moscow negotiations for a partial nuclear test ban will advance the prospects of agreement on a treaty for general and complete disarmament. I do not think it would be helpful at this stage to enter into further detail.
§ Mr. ZilliacusWhile I appreciate that point, may I ask for an assurance that the Prime Minister is prepared, if it seems a good thing to do, to put forward a Birtish compromise proposal to close the gap between the two and will not merely, as hitherto, be content with supporting the American position?
§ The Prime MinisterThe last proposal was a joint proposal. What we want is to try to get some results. Experience shows that we do better if we can bring all our allies along with us. This is a very difficult and complicated matter and we must consult with all our friends to see where we can agree on a programme.
Mr. H. WilsonAs the right hon. Gentleman says, this is a very difficult and complicated matter. Does he recall that, some months ago, my right hon. and learned Friend the Member for Rowley Regis and Tipton (Mr. A. Henderson) suggested that now that we had two drafts—the American and Russian—with considerable though not necessarily unbridgeable gaps between them, the good offices of the Secretary-General of the United Nations might be sought in putting forward a compromise proposal? Does the right hon. Gentleman remember that he seemed to think there was great merit in that suggestion? Does he intend to pursue it?
§ The Prime MinisterI should prefer to consider carefully the situation we have now reached. We can face the question in a better position because we have made some advance. I am anxious that it should not be wasted in fruitless discussion and debate but that some further advance, whether large or small, should be made on the basis of this one.
§ Mr. RidleyWould not these negotiations be greatly facilitated if the Leader of the Opposition ceased to refer to Lord Hailsham as the second best choice and the Government's odd job man?