HC Deb 25 March 1965 vol 709 cc734-5
Q3. Mr. Zilliacus

asked the Prime Minister whether, on his visit to Paris, he will propose to President de Gaulle that there should be Anglo-French discussions on how to co-ordinate the policies of the two countries and act jointly on such issues as German participation in the control of nuclear weapons, recognition of Germany's existing frontier, an Anglo-Franco-Soviet initiative to convene a Vietnam peace conference and the neutralisation of South-East Asia.

The Prime Minister

My talks with General de Gaulle will, of course, be confidential. But on the first and second parts of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to my replies to his Questions on 16th and 23rd March.

Mr. Zilliacus

Does not my right hon. Friend agree that France occupies a key position in Europe and that it would be worth while trying to reach agreement with President de Gaulle on the basis of policies to which Labour was committed before the election rather than failing to reach agreement by abandoning those policies?

The Prime Minister

Yes, France occupies a very central röle in Europe and so, may I say, does this country. I do not remember, however, that in our policy, whether in the manifesto or elsewhere, we were going to seek a joint Anglo-French declaration on this question.

Mr. Sydney Silverman

Quite apart from the successful delegations with which the Leader of the Opposition was associated in 1938, may I ask whether, if my right hon. Friend accepts the suggestion made by my hon. Friend the Member for Manchester, Gorton (Mr. Zilliacus), he will take steps to protect himself from any accusation by the Spectator that he is thereby compromising his political integrity?

The Prime Minister

I disregard anything said in the Spectator as much as I do anything said by its editor.

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