§ 40. Mr. Longdenasked the Lord Privy Seal if he will seek to convene a conference of the Heads of Government of the seven countries of Western European Union with the specific purpose of ascertaining the views and intentions of the President of France regarding the future of the European Economic Community. Western European Union, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and the Western Alliance generally.
§ Mr. HeathNo, Sir. I do not think a meeting for the purpose suggested by my hon. Friend would at present be appropriate.
§ Mr. LongdenIs my right hon. Friend aware that I put this Question down to my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister in the hope that he would take this initiative? Are Her Majesty's Government satisfied that the Governments and peoples of Europe fully realise the suicidal implications of the French President's plan for the Continent?
§ Mr. HeathThere are, of course, two views of how Europe should develop, and I think that our own has been perfectly well expressed. There would probably be considerable use in having a meeting of Western European Union at Foreign Minister level in the near future and as soon as it can be arranged, but I do not think that it would be appropriate to adopt my hon. Friend's suggestion now.