§ Q3. Mr. Henigasked the Prime Minister whether the public speech made by the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs at Homchurch on Great Britain's relations with France on 22nd February represents the policy of Her Majesty's Government.
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir.
§ Mr. HenigNow that the recriminations of the "Soames affair" have died down, has my right hon. Friend some plan for improving relationships between Britain and France? Is he aware that 201 this is essential if he is to succeed in his bid to get this country into the European Community?
§ The Prime MinisterThis is a matter which was very fully debated rather less than a month ago. My right hon. Friend and I have answered Questions since. I think that I have answered Questions put by my hon. Friend. We are, of course, most desirous to improve relations with France by talks at all levels.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonHow long does the Prime Minister think it will be before General de Gaulle is willing to speak to him again?
§ The Prime MinisterI have no information to suggest that he has at any time been more willing than at other times to speak to me. I had some very rewarding discussions with him at Versailles not very long ago, and on the question raised by my hon. Friend, entry to the Common Market, I did not find his views very encouraging.
§ Mr. HeathIt has been reported, on this particular question of relations with France, that President de Gaulle told Dr. Kiesinger at their recent meeting that he no longer had any intention of attending W.E.U. or sending representatives of his country there. Can the Prime Minister say whether Dr. Kiesinger has communicated this to him?
§ The Prime MinisterI have had no official confirmation of this story—I think that it was a newspaper report which the right hon. Gentleman was quoting. In what I have heard about these talks no such information has reached me. Were there to be confirmation of it, I would take an opportunity of letting the right hon. Gentleman know.