§ 2.48 p.m.
§ LORD BROCKWAYMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government what progress has been made at the Geneva discussions representing thirty-five countries regarding the projected European Conference for Security and Co-operation and what their attitude is towards the proposals for an early summit conference.
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY OF STATE, FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (LORD GORONWY-ROBERTS)My Lords, progress has been made on some parts of the agenda and differences are being narrowed. But the work of the Conference has been slower than we should have liked, and with our friends and allies we are doing our best to advance matters. We hope that the results of the Conference will be of sufficient content and value to warrant holding its final stage at the highest level.
§ LORD BROCKWAYMy Lords, I thank the Minister for that Answer. May 954 I ask him two supplementary questions? First, has not part of the delay been due to the fact that while one is in favour of freedom of movement and of ideas there has been some opposition on the part of the Eastern delegates? Secondly, have they not now offered freedom of exchange of newspapers, freedom of tourism and freedom of technical visits, and is it not best that freedom of movement and of ideas should grow with increasing trust between the two groups of countries, rather than being made a definitive object at the present moment?
§ LORD GORONWY-ROBERTSMy Lords, I take that to be one question. There has been some delay in this sphere, as in others. This is an unprecedented Conference in the extent and depth of its examinations, and the delay has been due to the natural reluctance of East and West to plunge into some hasty decisions on matters of this importance. As to the revised proposals which the Russians and others have made in recent weeks or months, they are being very carefully considered and I can assure my noble friend that we shall take every opportunity of building on any concession of that sort.
§ LORD BROCKWAYMy Lords, while again thanking the Minister for that answer, may I ask him what is the conception of Her Majesty's Government? Is this just another Conference, or is it the idea that there should be the creation of some permanent organisations towards seeking co-existence between East and West?
§ LORD GORONWY-ROBERTSMy Lords, as I said, this is a Conference without precedent, and we certainly look to the future for a continuing dialogue and therefore, possibly, a continuing machinery.
§ LORD BALFOUR OF INCHRYEMy Lords, is it not very much wiser for Her Majesty's Government not to embark on any summit until the spade-work at the foothills has been adequately completed?
§ LORD GORONWY-ROBERTSMy Lords, in less poetic language it is essential that stage 2 should be properly completed before stage 3 reaches the heights mentioned by the noble Lord.
§ LORD CARADONMy Lords, will my noble friend take into full account the 955 unanimous decisions reached at the conference held last week in Vienna on, I believe, all the questions which are under consideration in Geneva? Also, will he take special account of the fact that strong delegations from all European countries reached unanimous recommendations on all the questions there considered?
§ LORD GORONWY-ROBERTSMy Lords, I am aware of this significant conference in which my noble friend played, as usual, a distinguished part. I look forward very much to reading the full accounts of the various reports emanating from that conference.