HC Deb 25 March 1969 vol 780 cc1262-3
Q1. Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

asked the Prime Minister if he will place in the Library a full record of his discussions with Chancellor Kiesinger in Bonn in February.

Q2. Mr. Marten

asked the Prime Minister if he will publish a White Paper on his discussions with the German Chancellor about President de Gaulle's proposals made in February, 1969.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Wilson)

I have nothing to add to my reply to a Question by the hon. Member for Banbury (Mr. Marten) on 18th February.—[Vol. 778, c. 208.]

Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

When the Prime Minister looks back over the results of his last two adventures in personal diplomacy—his midnight meeting with the German Ambassador in November and his meeting with Chancellor Kiesinger in February—is he satisfied that they made a positive contribution to Anglo-German relations, and, if so, what?

The Prime Minister

The German Chancellor was not in the slightest degree worried about the discussions with the German Ambassador, and nor was he, so the hon. Gentleman might start to get over it. On the second part of his supplementary question, I have explained to the House several times that, in view of the commitments which we have entered into with all our fellow members of W.E.U., it would have been quite impossible not to discuss all matters of common interest, including the issue which I think is worrying the hon. Gentleman.

Mr. Marten

Could the Prime Minister clarify one point which I think he says he has clarified before but I do not think he has? Could he tell the House why the de Gaulle proposals were discussed with Chancellor Kiesinger before the Prime Minister had confirmation that this fact had been cleared with General de Gaulle? It is this point which worries people.

The Prime Minister

That was fully dealt with by my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary in his statement in the House and in the debate, under Standing Order No. 9, I think, which took place the following day and on which the House reached a conclusion.

Mr. Rippon

While welcoming the French Government's assurance that they will continue to adhere to the North Atlantic Treaty, may I ask the Prime Minister whether he discussed with Chancellor Kiesinger the conditions under which France could resume active membership of the Treaty Organisation—a resumption which is essential to give credibility to the conventional defence of Western Europe?

The Prime Minister

I very much share the right hon. and learned Gentleman's concern about the problem which has arisen owing to France's attitude to N.A.T.O., but he can take it that all matters relevant to N.A.T.O. as well as to European unity were discussed with Chancellor Kiesinger.