HC Deb 02 December 1963 vol 685 cc133-4W
80. Wing Commander Bullus

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what protest he has made to the United States of America concerning that country's decision to use only American ships in the transport of necessary wheat to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics; and if he will make a statement.

81. Dame Irene Ward

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what answer he has received from the Government of the United States of America to the representations he has sent regarding their discrimination against international shipping by the use of American bottoms for their export trade.

Mr. R. A. Butler

Her Majesty's Government joined in representations made to the United States Government on 8th November on behalf of the European Governments and also Japan, all of which have shipping interests. The joint note delivered by the Netherlands Ambassador made clear the view of the eleven Governments that the decision of the United States Government, to ship the wheat in American ships as far as possible, represented a reversal of the declared policy of the United States to encourage freedom of opportunity for ships of all nations to compete in world trade. The note expressed serious concern at the preferential shipping conditions attached by the United States Government to what are admitted to be private sales. A formal reply to the note has not yet been received.