HC Deb 24 May 1973 vol 857 cc662-3
Q7. Mr. Kaufman

asked the Prime Minister whether he will request President Nixon to cancel his forthcoming official visit to the United Kingdom.

The Prime Minister

No, Sir. President Nixon knows he is always welcome here, but he has not yet announced the dates on which he proposes to visit Europe.

Mr. Kaufman

Ought not the Prime Minister to inform President Nixon that the man who has allowed the White House to be turned into a base for corruption of the democratic process is scarcely acceptable in Europe as an exponent of the principles of international democracy?

The Prime Minister

The basis of my answer is quite clear. It is not for me to comment on the internal affairs of the United States.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

Without prejudging what is now happening in Washington, may I ask my right hon. Friend whether it is not the case that a fair judgment on President Nixon must include a tribute to his courage in steadfastly continuing the work begun by President Kennedy in upholding the Vietnamese people against Communist aggression?

The Prime Minister

Her Majesty's Government have always expressed that view. We also welcome the fact that President Nixon has been able to make arrangements under which American forces are being withdrawn from Vietnam.

Mr. Hugh Jenkins

With due respect to what my hon. Friend the Member for Manchester, Ardwick (Mr. Kaufman) has said, is it not the case that at the moment the Prime Minister is hardly in a position to throw stones at the President of the United States?