§ Q2. Mr. John Fraserasked the Prime Minister what recent communications he has received from the Greek military régime regarding Her Majesty's Government's policy towards that régime; and what reply he has sent.
§ The Prime MinisterI would refer my hon. Friend to the Answer given on 8th July by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, to a 267 Question by the hon. Member for Louth (Sir C. Osborne).—[Vol. 768, c.6–7.]
§ Mr. FraserWould my right hon. Friend appreciate that whatever reaction any remarks of his might have provoked in Greece they have been widely welcomed by democrats in this country and throughout Europe? Secondly, would he make it clear, as the timetable for a restoration of democracy is coming to an end, that we shall soon have to start making moves inside N.A.T.O., in concert with our allies, to expel Greece if there is no restoration of democracy by the end of this year?
§ The Prime MinisterIn answer to previous Questions by my hon. Friend I referred to the impatience with which everyone would be watching the attitude of the Greek Government to the timetable which they have promised. My hon. Friend will have noticed that the Greek Government have now, on timetable, produced a constitution. It would be inappropriate for me to comment on it, but it is a step in the right direction.
§ Mr. John LeeIs it not the case that this is not a proper, adequate constitution? Will my right hon. Friend continue to consider the possibility of helping to get Greece expelled from N.A.T.O., bearing in mind that the ostensible reason for N.A.T.O.'s existence is the protection of democracy?
§ The Prime MinisterOur attitude to all these questions has been related to the fulfilment of the undertakings given by the Greek Government to get a speedy return to democracy on the basis of the democratic constitution to be approved by the Greek people. Since I last answered Questions on this subject, I think that there has been this step in the right direction.
§ Mr. Ian LloydWould not the Prime Minister agree that there is a real danger, not only in Greece, but in other countries, of indulging the temptation of political condemnation and forgetting about the vital necessity of trade?
§ The Prime MinisterI thought that that matter was very satisfactorily dealt with by the answers given by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade when it was raised by hon. Members opposite two or three weeks ago.