§ 26. Mr. Martenasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what representations he has had from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics about Her Majesty's Government's proposal for an Atlantic Nuclear Force.
§ Mr. M. StewartThe Soviet Government have made their views known to us on a number of occasions, and most recently during my talks with M. Gromyko in March.
§ Mr. MartenCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether it was made clear that the A.N.F. will lead to a greater proliferation of nuclear weapons? Does he believe that the A.N.F. proposals will improve East-West relations? What has happened to the A.N.F.?
§ Mr. StewartThe A.N.F. proposals are still being examined by our allies. The Russian Government have expressed objection to it. I have never held that that objection is well-founded. If the countries of the Warsaw Pact made comparable arrangements we should not regard it as endangering our security or damaging international relations.
§ Mr. PagetThe A.N.F. having been introduced with the primary function of sinking the M.L.F., cannot it now sink, too?
§ Mr. StewartMy hon. and learned Friend expressed that view before. I disagree with him now, as I disagreed with him then.