HC Deb 11 July 1968 vol 768 cc726-7
Ql. Mr. Molloy

asked the Prime Minister what plans he has for meeting with Heads of State to urge support for the nuclear non-proliferation treaty.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Wilson)

I would refer my hon. Friend to the Answer I gave to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Hamp-stead (Mr. Whitaker) on Tuesday last to which as yet I have nothing to add.— [Vol. 768, c. 211–12.]

Mr. Molloy

Can my right hon. Friend say what additional steps the Government are taking to encourage those countries which have not yet signed this remarkable declaration and that within a reasonable time the Government will take the initiative in calling a conference to review the situation? Will he use the Government's influence in the United Nations to get recognition of China so that she might be encouraged to sign?

The Prime Minister

Together with the other nations which sponsored the treaty, we are doing all that we can to encourage further signatures, and, in particular, and as the first step, we hope to persuade those States which voted for the resolution to sign the treaty at an early date. On the question of Communist China, which is recognised by Her Majesty's Government, we have repeatedly pressed and voted for her admission to the United Nations.

Mr. Sandys

Does the Prime Minister recognise that in order to obtain the essential adhesion of the non-nuclear countries it is necessary to offer them some assurance of assistance in the event of aggression? Will he discuss this matter with the Governments of the other nuclear Powers?

The Prime Minister

I recognise that. The right hon. Gentleman will have seen the statements made in the United Nations by the Governments of the United States, Soviet Union and ourselves on that very point.