§ 24. Mr. Wingfield Digbyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he plans to meet the new West German Foreign Minister.
§ Mr. M. StewartI met Herr Scheel in Bonn on 14th November and we had a very useful first exchange of views.
§ Mr. DigbyI am glad to hear that the Foreign Secretary took an early opportunity to meet the new Minister. May we take it that he had a wide exchange of views informally, and that he dealt also with the question of relations between the Federal Republic and Eastern Germany, both politically and economically?
§ Mr. StewartThe hon. Gentleman will realise that the discussions were confidential. However, I can properly tell the House that, naturally, we discussed among other things relations between Eastern and Western Europe, which would include the point which he raised.
§ Mr. Ronald AtkinsIn view of the increase in exchange costs of British Army of the Rhine consequent upon the revaluation of the Mark, will my right hon. Friend seek an early opportunity to renegotiate the offset agreement to cover the extra cost?
§ Mr. StewartOur discussions on 14th November did not cover defence questions, but Her Majesty's Government are aware of the implications of the point my lion. Friend has raised.
§ Mr. John HyndIn has discussions with Herr Scheel, did my right hon. Friend gain the impression that the initiative and lead which the West German Government have given in regard to signing the Non-proliferation Treaty is likely to be taken up by the other non-nuclear Powers?
§ Mr. StewartI could not say for certain. I hope that that would be so.