§ 79. Mr. Rankinasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what consultations he is having with the United States and Russian Governments in regard to those solutions of the Berlin problem which are now being studied by them.
§ Mr. R. AllanMy right hon. Friends discussed the Berlin problem with Mr. Dulles when he was here. Discussions 9W are also going on between officials in Washington. As to the Russians, I have no doubt that the topic will come up during the visit to Moscow.
§ 80. Mr. Mikardoasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what discussions he has had with Mr. Dulles relating to the use or threat of force to maintain communications with West Berlin in preference to working on a de facto basis with the East German authorities when the Soviet Government hands over to them control over these communications.
§ Mr. R. AllanThe discussions were confidential. I do not propose to reveal details of what may or may not have been discussed with Mr. Dulles about possible action in certain contingencies.
§ 82. Mr. A. Hendersonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to what extent it is the policy of Her Majesty's Government that, in deciding the future of West Berlin, the wishes of the inhabitants shall be ascertained, if necessary by a plebiscite.
§ Mr. R. AllanIt is the policy of Her Majesty's Government that any decisions affecting West Berlin should accord with the wishes of its inhabitants. The West Berlin elections held on 7th December, 1958, were, in effect, a plebiscite on the Soviet proposal for a so-called "free city" of West Berlin. The Communist Party, the only party in favour of the Soviet proposal, received 1.9 per cent. of the votes cast. The wishes of the West Berliners seem, therefore, to be very plain in this respect.