§ Q5. Mr. John Fraserasked the Prime Minister when he plans to meet President Nixon to discuss matters of common concern.
§ The Prime MinisterThe House will have noted reports that President Nixon is hoping to visit Western Europe in the near future.
For our part, as I told the House last week, we should be delighted to welcome the President to London. I have had some exchanges with him on the subject of a possible visit but am not yet in a position to make an announcement.
§ Mr. FraserDoes my right hon. Friend agree that one of the matters of common concern for discussion should be the maintenance of freedom in Europe? Since it is unthinkable that this Governernment should not follow the recommendation of the Consultative Assembly on the subject of Greece, will my right hon. Friend seek assurances from President Nixon that America will use her influence in doing everything possible to get a restoration of freedom in that country?
§ The Prime MinisterI would remind my hon. Friend that the United States is not a member of the Council of Europe, and the recommendation that he has in mind came from Strasbourg last week. That will be a matter which will have to be considered by us all. I do not think at this stage that it would be appropriate to speculate about the subjects for discussion with the President, wherever the meeting takes place.
§ Mr. TurtonCan the Prime Minister confirm that President Nixon will come to Britain directly after seeing President de Gaulle?
§ The Prime MinisterAt this stage, I cannot say what the President's movements 208 will be. The House will have noted reports of these matters, and we are in close touch on this question. But I am not in a position to indicate a possible timetable, if the reports are finally confirmed.
§ Mr. HefferReverting to the point raised by my hon. Friend the Member for Norwood (Mr. John Fraser), is it not clear that, while the United States is not a member of the Council of Europe, it is an essential part of N.A.T.O., and therefore it is very important that this matter should be discussed in view of the rôle of N.A.T.O. to maintain democracy? Will my right hon. Friend discuss this matter of Greece with President Nixon when he comes to this country?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir. My hon. Friend's concern has been supported fully by many hon. Members on all sides, and he will remember what I have said on the matter. It is too early to say whether it will be a matter for discussion with the President, and it is not usual, so far in advance, to outline the possible agenda.
§ Sir D. RentonWhen the Prime Minister sees the President, will he reiterate the unbounded admiration felt by Her Majesty's subjects for Colonel Borman and his colleagues?
§ The Prime MinisterI cannot think of a more appropriate moment for the right hon. and learned Gentleman to put that question. I shall be severely out of order if I explain what I have in mind. But I join with the right hon. and learned Gentleman in expressing to Colonel Borman, who, shall I say, is visiting this country, the great admiration of all of us in this House and all of those whom we represent for the intrepid feat that he and his colleagues accomplished over Christmas and our delight at his safe return and his visit to this country.