§ 1. Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the recent talks in Peking between the British Chargé d'Affaires and Mr. Chou En-lai.
§ The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Sir Alec Douglas-Home)The interview on 2nd March was at the request of the Chinese Prime Minister. The fact that it took place is a further indication of a slow but welcome improvement in our relations over the past year.
§ Mr. AllaunAs China and America are now publicly talking sense, would our country do the same on this matter, and would the Government, therefore, take three steps towards promoting peace and trade—first of all, arrange a Ministerial visit; secondly, appoint an ambassador to Peking; and, thirdly, take the initiative at the United Nations for the admission of China on a simple majority?
§ Sir Alec Douglas-HomeAs I think the hon. Gentleman knows, we have long sought to have an ambassador in Peking, because that would enable us to talk even greater sense, perhaps, than we do. As for the Ministerial visit, I am always willing to consider it at some future date. On the other matter I think we had better wait a little longer.