HC Deb 23 June 1969 vol 785 cc1000-1
42. Mr. Boston

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about the present position concerning proposals for discussions between the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and Warsaw Pact countries on commitments in Europe.

54. Mr. Heffer

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals were made at the recent Western European Union Ministerial meeting at The Hague for a European Security Conference; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Mulley

As the House knows, studies are proceeding in N.A.T.O. The details of consultations in the Western European Union are confidential. But I can say that there was agreement at The Hague that the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation was the appropriate forum for concerting allied views. The essential element will of course be Soviet readiness for genuine progress.

Mr. Boston

Will my right hon. Friend accept that some of us felt that the action of the Canadian Government in announcing its unilateral decision to withdraw forces from Europe was unfortunate, to say the least? Can my right hon. Friend say what effect this is likely to have on the prospect of further talks about forces reductions? Will he continue his efforts to obtain discussions and agreement on this problem of the Canadian attitude?

Mr. Mulley

The work in N.A.T.O. for mutual force reductions is beginning and the offer made in the communiqué of June, 1968, to have these negotiations with the Warsaw Pact Powers, stands. I hope the consideration by the Canadian Government will not have the effect which my hon. Friend fears.

Mr. Heffer

Does my right hon. Friend agree that, despite events in Czechoslovakia, it is vitally important to continue to try to get an agreement with the Warsaw Pact countries for mutual reductions in forces and weapons? Will he say whether he has considered the proposals for a permanent security commission, a proposal put forward by Mr. Brzezinski of the United States?

Mr. Mulley

To the first part of the question the answer is certainly, "Yes". We attach the greatest importance to trying to achieve mutual force reductions. On the second part, I should like to study more closely my hon. Friend's suggestion and I shall write to him about it.