§ 18. Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what initiative he is prepared to take towards the admission of the German Democratic Republic to the United Nations.
§ Mr. GodberNeither the German Democratic Republic nor the Federal German Republic are at present members of the United Nations. It would not, in present circumstances, be appropriate for Her Majesty's Government to take the initiative on this matter.
§ Mrs. ShortI regard that as a silly answer. Could the right hon. Gentleman say why not? Since the United States has now welcomed the entry of the People's Republic of China into the United Nations, does he not agree that the United Nations would be immeasurably strengthened if all the countries that 943 want to enter are allowed to take part in its affairs?
§ Mr. GodberIt is all very well to say that it is a silly answer. I suggest that at this particular moment of time it is a silly Question, because discussions are now taking place between the two Germanys. If a satisfactory conclusion can be reached in that way, it is much better than that we should take an initiative.