HL Deb 16 October 1969 vol 304 cc1537-8

3.5 p.m.

LORD BROCKWAY

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the first Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions have taken place between the United Kingdom, the U.S.A. and France and the Soviet Union on problems arising from the division of Berlin.]

THE MINISTER OF STATE, FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (LORD CHALFONT)

My Lords, Her Majesty's Government, together with the French and United States Governments, made an approach to the Soviet Government through their Embassies in Moscow at the beginning of August, to explore the possibilities of improving the situation in and around Berlin and between the two parts of Germany. On September 12, the Soviet Government made a statement to the Embassies of the United Kingdom, United States and France in Moscow in response to this approach, which is now being examined by the Three Powers in consultation with the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany.

LORD BROCKWAY

My Lords, I welcome the initiative which has been taken in this matter, but in view of the fact that the Soviet Foreign Secretary, Mr. Gromyko, has indicated that the Soviet Government is prepared to exchange opinions on this subject, could my noble friend say whether the Foreign Secretary had the opportunity while he was in New York to discuss with Mr. Gromyko the chances of pursuing this very hopeful development?

LORD CHALFONT

My Lords, I am not aware that my right honourable friend the Foreign Secretary discussed this matter with Mr. Gromyko. He had the opportunity for discussions with the Soviet delegation in New York. If as a result there has been any further development I will let my noble friend know.

LORD BROCKWAY

My Lords, while thanking my noble friend, may I ask whether, if these discussions about Berlin proceed, it will be possible to have some consultation, unofficially if not officially, with the German Democratic Republic, which is so much involved?

LORD CHALFONT

My Lords, as my noble friend knows, we do not recognise the D.D.R. and have no direct diplomatic relations with them. I think it will be difficult in the circumstances to engage in consultations with them. Our role here is to maintain our links with the Federal Republic of Germany. I think we can safely leave it to the Soviet Union to consult with the East Germans.

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