§ 39. Mr. Zilliacusasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will take the initiative in negotiating an agreement with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on the regulations governing access of Western forces to Berlin, and on impartial procedures, under United Nations auspices, to settle any disputes about how such regulations should be interpreted.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerI do not think that an independent initiative by Her Majesty's Government on the lines suggested by the hon. Gentleman would be useful.
§ Mr. ZilliacusIs it not a fact that, at present, the United Statesclaims the right to determine its own rules, without consulting the Soviet Union, and the Soviet Government say that, as these forces are passing through the Soviet Zone, they should have a say in determining the rules? Is not a common-sense compromise that there should be some such arrangement as that suggested, and will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider his refusal to take an initiative?
§ Mr. ButlerFirst, I do not think that a unilateral or independent initiative by us would be a good thing. I think that it is vital for us to work with our allies in this matter. In the second place, we have already harmonised our procedures with the Americans and the French, and we have sent those procedures to the Russians. While I can say, on my behalf, that I am perfectly ready to hear what the Russians have to say, I think that our procedures are quite clear, and we must make clear that our right of access is absolute.
§ Mr. HaleIf the right hon. Gentleman thinks that, on all these matters, no independent initiative should be made, why do we have an independent deterrent?