§ Q2. Mr. John Fraserasked the Prime Minister when he will make an official visit to Czechoslovakia.
§ The Prime MinisterI have no present plans for such a visit, Sir.
§ Mr. FraserWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind that the Conservative Government once betrayed Czechoslovakia in the same way as the Opposition would now betray the people of Rhodesia? Will he seek to make amends by considering what economic assistance can be given to Czechoslovakia to maintain conditions in which there can be further progress towards freedom? In particular, will he consider releasing a certain amount of gold to that country?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not think that it would be right for me to comment on what is currently happening internally in Czechoslovakia, but two of my right hon. Friends have recently visited Czechoslovakia and one discussed in some detail the possibility of improving trade arrangements with Czechoslovakia. I think that trade rather than economic assistance is what would be appropriate.
§ Sir C. OsborneArising from the supplementary question, will the Prime Minister tell the House how a previous Conservative Government could have saved Czechoslovakia from its fate when the Labour Opposition refused to vote any arms at all and were against conscription?
§ The Prime MinisterIt all seems a long time ago, but I do not believe that many Conservatives today defend their then Government's record in 1938.