§ Q3. Mr. St. John-Stevasasked the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on his official talks in Rome with His Holiness the Pope.
§ The Prime MinisterI was received by His Holiness The Pope with great friendliness. The details of our talk are confidential, but I can say that we had a valuable discussion on many matters of mutual concern, particularly the safeguarding of peace.
§ Mr. St. John-StevasIn thanking the Prime Minister for his reply and appreciating the reason for his reserve, may I ask him to consider a further improvement in the relationship between London and the Vatican by raising the status of our mission at the Holy See from that of a legation to an embassy? Does not the Prime Minister agree that, in the cordial ecumenical climate which now, fortunately, exists, this would be appropriate? As I understand that nearly all Her Majesty's missions abroad are of ambassadorial status, would not such a change be in accord with the dignity both of Her Majesty and of the Holy See?
§ The Prime MinisterThat is a separate question; it did not arise in this audience. It was not discussed at that time. I am, however, happy to tell the hon. Member that relations between our legation and the Holy See seem extremely good and are the means of keeping a regular flow of information both ways about the international situation.
§ Mr. OgdenWill my right hon. Friend recall that Cardinal Heenan has recently expressed the hope that His Holiness may be able to visit this country in 1966 for the dedication of the Cathedral of Christ The King? Will my right hon. Friend consider advising Her Majesty that such a visit would be welcomed by men of good will of all faiths in this country if such an invitation could be offered to His Holiness?
§ The Prime MinisterThat is another question, too. Again, it is right for me to say that it was not discussed on my visit to Rome.