HC Deb 30 July 1963 vol 682 cc232-4
Q7. Mr. Zilliacus

asked the Prime Minister whether, in the light of the conclusion of a nuclear test ban treaty, in his exchange of views with President Kennedy on the questions that should now be taken up with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, he will propose a treaty of non-aggression between the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and Warsaw Alliance countries, and the establishment of a zone in central Europe comprising both parts of Germany and some of Germany's neighbours, free from nuclear weapons, military alliances and foreign forces, with the forces of the countries in the zone reduced, limited and subject to international supervision.

The Prime Minister

I do not think I can add at present to what was said in the communiqué issued at the end of the Moscow negotiations for a nuclear test ban. We have undertaken to inform our allies about the discussions on this subject in Moscow and to consult with them about continuing discussions on the question with the purpose of achieving agreement satisfactory to all.

Mr. Zilliacus

Would not the right hon. Gentleman say that the Government have a policy of their own on these matters and are prepared, as was suggested by my right hon. Friend the Leader of the Opposition just now, to request the good offices of the Secretary-General of the United Nations? Does not the Prime Minister agree that we must follow up what has happened in Moscow and not content ourselves with being second fiddle in Washington, and third man in Moscow accompanied by large claims at home?

The Prime Minister

If the hon. Member thinks that to be a fair and honest account of what has happened in the last three or four years, I cannot disabuse him. My policy is to see that we can follow up this advance, and I do not think that a statement of the Government's thoughts at the moment, without consultation with our allies, would assist that purpose.

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

If it becomes clear in the negotiations that a system of control posts as proposed by Mr. Khrushchev can only be agreed to if there is also a non-aggression pact, will the Prime Minister seek to have such a pact in terms which would not compromise the position of Germany?

The Prime Minister

That, again, is a statement of one of the problems; it does not resolve it. I do not think that anything I would say now on this or that particular point would assist in doing what we are setting out to do, which is to make the next advance.