§ Q1. Mr. Juddasked the Prime Minister whether he will pay an official visit to this autumn's meeting of the United Nations.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Wilson)I have no plans to do so, Sir, but my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs was in New York from 7th to 15th October and addressed the General Assembly on 14th October.
§ Mr. JuddDoes my right hon. Friend recognise that there is widespread respect throughout Britain for the work carried out at the U.N. by the noble Lord, the Minister of State, but will my right hon. Friend also accept that one of the best ways of demonstrating our commitment to the United Nations is a personal visit by the Prime Minister whenever possible?
§ The Prime MinisterI have made very many visits there, not always when the Assembly was sitting. I did address the Assembly on one occasion, although I am sorry to say that some of my African friends greeted that with a walkout, because of our refusal to use force in Rhodesia. Certainly I keep in very close touch with the Secretary-General, whom I see whenever he comes to this country. I like to visit the United Nations whenever I can.
§ Sir H. Legge-BourkeWhoever it is who speaks for Her Majesty's Government at the autumn meeting of the United Nations, would the Prime Minister give an assurance that it will be made abundantly clear that the Government do not subscribe to the views expressed about Rhodesia in the latest manifesto of the United Nations Association?
§ The Prime MinisterAs to our responsibilities for those who speak for us at the United Nations, my noble Friend, Lord Caradon, has the fullest confidence of the Government, and I think of both sides of this House. As to the United Nations Association, I applaud its enthusiasm, but somewhat regret its sense of direction. On the point raised in the statement issued by the leadership of the U.N.A., the Government's position is well known and has been repeatedly stated in this House.
§ Mr. ShinwellHas my right hon. Friend observed that recently suggestions have been made by several hon. Members, one that he should go to India, another that he should go to Australia, another that he should go to Russia, and I believe, the suggestion was made that he should also go to Peking. Does he detect anything sinister in this?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. I always take these proposals in the spirit in which they are made. There will be plenty of time over the next few years to visit all these places.