§ Mr. Iremongerasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he next proposes to seek to pay an official visit to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics; and when Her Majesty's Government next expect to receive an official visit from a representative of the Soviet Government.
§ Mr. GodberMy right hon. Friend would be ready to go to the Soviet Union at an appropriate time. As regards the second part of the Question, there is no proposal for a Soviet ministerial visit at the present time, but Mr. Gromyko would always be welcome in London.
§ Mr. IremongerDoes my right hon. Friend realise that what we are getting at is the fact that it is quite impossible for British subjects to get letters delivered to Jewish Soviet citizens? Is he aware that the Soviet postal authorities tear up the letters? Does he realise that the Soviet Ambassador will not answer personally letters addressed to him on this subject? Is not the only way to get these letters delivered for Ministers to act personally as couriers?
§ Mr. GodberI would hesitate to accept responsibility for acting as a courier in that sense. We have no evidence that a breach of the Universal Postal Convention has taken place and therefore no grounds for making representations in this matter. The interest in this subject which is displayed in this country cannot have left the Soviet authorities in any doubt that we would deplore any unwarranted interference of any kind with the mail.
§ Mr. IremongerDoes my right hon. Friend not realise that for the Soviet authorities to tear up registered letters is not a breach of the Universal Postal Convention?
§ Mr. GodberI was not aware that that was not a breach. In any case, I have made our position clear, that we would deplore interference with the mail. We have no standing with regard to matters outside the Universial Postal Convention.