§ Q3. Mr. Zilliacusasked the Prime Minister what agreement or understanding was arrived at between him and President Johnson on the subject of the United States cutting off what remained of financial, aid to Britain as a consequence of the sale of British buses to Cuba, and the subject of United States policy toward Cuba being treated as a matter of common concern to the members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.
The Prince MinisterThe first part of the hon. Gentleman's Question seems to be based on a misunderstanding. The termination of United States aid was not a consequence of the sale of buses to Cuba. It resulted from the application to the United Kingdom—among other countries—of a provision of current United States aid legislation which requires that no assistance shall be given to a county failing to take appropriate steps by 14th February to prevent its ships trading with Cuba. Her Majesty's Government felt unable to take such steps. The two Governments discussed the matter before the termination of aid was announced.
As regards the second part of the hon. Gentleman's Question, it is open to any member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation to raise with its allies matters which it regards as being of common concern to them. No specific agreement or understanding was reached 1127 between President Johnson and myself on this point; nor was any needed.
§ Mr. ZilliacusDid the Prime Minister take the opportunity to protest to the President against this legislation and against the penalising of shipping, including British shipping trading with Cuba? Will he draw the attention of the United States Administration to the fact that if this is a matter of common concern under N.A.T.O. it is the job of the Americans to pursue a policy that is consistent with the Charter and not offensive to her allies in N.A.T.O.?
§ The Prime MinisterI have made it plain time and again to the United States Government that we do not approve of this legislation.