HC Deb 26 February 1970 vol 796 cc1392-3
Q3. Mr. Marten

asked the Prime Minister whether he will invite the President of the United States of America to visit Great Britain.

The Prime Minister

As the House is aware, President Nixon has already visited this country twice since he took office. He knows that I would be glad to welcome him to London again whenever he wishes to come and his commitments permit.

Mr. Marten

Would the Prime Minister make it clear to the Americans that any unilateral reduction of their forces in Europe would be throwing away a useful card in any talks or negotiations about bringing about a balanced force reduction in Europe between N.A.T.O. and the Warsaw Pact?

The Prime Minister

I referred in a previous Answer to my discussions with the President about that matter. It is our policy and his that in any discussions about reducing tension in Europe the idea put forward by N.A.T.O. in the summer of 1968 for balanced force reductions between Warsaw forces and N.A.T.O. would be one of the biggest advances we could make. I think that President Nixon is well aware of the point made by the hon. Gentleman.

Mr. Brooks

In view of the recent disturbing and contradictory reports about the situation in Laos, has my right hon. Friend had any discussions with President Nixon about the position, since some reports suggest that it is likely to lead to an imminent Communist takeover?

The Prime Minister

I think my hon. Friend can assume that all questions on Asia and areas of acute concern such as he has mentioned were discussed in my talks with President Nixon. I believe that my right hon. Friend may be dealing with this matter at Question Time on Monday. I share my hon. Friend's concern about recent movements in Laos which I have had the opportunity of discussing twice with the Prime Minister of Laos in the last few months.