HL Deb 15 June 1954 vol 187 cc1153-4

4.8 p.m.

THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURY

My Lords, I hope your Lordships will forgive me if I interrupt the Business of the House to make a short statement that has been made in another place by my right honourable friend the Prime Minister. It is one of some importance and I think it is right that the House should have it. I give verbatim the statement of the Prime Minister:

"Some weeks ago the President of the United States invited the Foreign Secretary and myself to spend a weekend as his guests in Washington. The invitation was cordially accepted, and it has been arranged for the visit to take place during the week-end beginning June 25."

EARL JOWITT

My Lords, may I say, on behalf of noble Lords on this side of the House, that we are very glad to hear that statement. We have always felt that a full understanding between ourselves and the United States of America is of the first importance, and I can only hope that the forthcoming visit of the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary will succeed in dispelling some misunderstandings and doubts which seem to have been arising in recent weeks. If they do so succeed, I am sure it will be to the good of everyone.