HC Deb 05 May 1969 vol 783 cc12-3
11. Mr. Henig

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his recent official conversations with M. Debré.

15. Mr. Wingfield Digby

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussion he had about the future of Western European Union at his recent meeting with the French Foreign Minister.

Mr. M. Stewart

I met Monsieur Debré on 11th April in Washington. The content of our conversation was confidential, but I took the opportunity to remind Monsieur Debré that, as we had already informed the French Government on 12th and 24th February, we are very willing to have talks with them provided that our partners are kept fully in the picture.

Mr. Henig

As soon as the new constellation of political forces emerges in France, will my right hon. Friend make it a top item on his agenda to have conversations with the new French Government with an absolutely clean slate? Secondly, does he think that this is a good moment to reaffirm that it is Her Majesty's Government's policy to join the European Economic Community as soon as possible?

Mr. Stewart

The answer to the second part of my hon. Friend's question is, Yes, Sir. As to the first part, I have made it clear already both in these conversations with M. Debré and elsewhere that we are desirous of talks with the French Government.

Mr. Wingfield Digby

While recognising that these conversations are probably out of date already, would the right hon. Gentleman make a real attempt with the new Foreign Minister of France, when he is appointed, to come to an agreement about the future of W.E.U?

Mr. Stewart

Yes, Sir. We are anxious to have French co-operation in Western European Union, whoever the French Government may be. We have made this clear repeatedly and shall go on doing so.

Mr. Marten

Will the Government do something that they have never done before and proceed on this matter with a certain amount of caution?

Mr. Stewart

I do not know that the hon. Gentleman is always a particularly good adviser on caution. We shall proceed in the interests of this country and constantly in touch with our partners in Western European Union.

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