§ Q4. Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Prime Minister, following the discussions in the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation during December, what response she will make to Mr. Brezhnev's proposals.
§ The Prime MinisterIn December NATO Ministers agreed on an important package of arms control proposals. These initiatives were under discussion well before Mr. Brezhnev's speech on 6 October, but they take account of Soviet ideas. Before the December meeting I had already replied to the letter which I received from Mr. Brezhnev following his speech. In my reply, I emphasised our determination both to rectify the growing imbalance in long range theatre nuclear capabilities and to make full use of the opportunities for arms control.
§ Mr. AllaunWhile we condemn events in Afghanistan—as many of us condemned events in Vietnam and Suez—should not any offer of arms reduction at least be put to the test rather than be rebuffed by the installation of cruise and Pershing missiles on our soil? Does the Prime Minister agree with the Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office that it is in British interests and to our 1430 advantage that future arms reduction negotiations should succeed?
§ The Prime MinisterWhat has happened in Afghanistan—something which has been roundly condemned by the whole of the Western world and the non-aligned nations—has fully justified the stand that this Government have taken on defence and our determination to ensure that we always negotiate from strength. Of course, we are always willing to negotiate genuine arms control but the reply to Mr. Brezhnev, which was the result of the NATO meeting, was put forward on 18 December and was turned down by the Soviet authorities.
§ Mr. AmeryWill my right hon. Friend send a message to President Tito from the whole of this House wishing him a prompt recovery from his troubles? Will she make plain to Mr. Brezhnev that the British Government will do everything in their power to support Yugoslav resistance to any intervention calculated to threaten Yugoslavia's autonomy?
§ The Prime MinisterI am only too happy to send greetings to President Tito and to wish him a speedy recovery from his recent operation and to hope, and say, that we shall do everything we can to see that the independence of Yugoslavia is maintained.