HC Deb 29 May 1968 vol 765 cc243-4W
Mr. Eldon Griffiths

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on his visit to the Soviet Union and Germany.

Mr. M. Stewart

My visit to Moscow on 22nd-23rd May was arranged mainly in the context of Vietnam but provided a useful opportunity for talks on a number of other international questions.

On Vietnam, Mr. Gromyko continued to support the North Vietnamese position. I stressed the importance of encouraging progress in the Paris talks and urged the need for North Vietnam to understand that, in return for a cessation of bombing, it was reasonable that they should take some identifiable measure of reciprocal restraint.

On the Middle East, we agreed on the importance of giving the fullest support to Dr. Jarring's mission. Mr. Gromyko commended the idea of a settlement which would cover all the requirements of the Security Council Resolution of November, 1967, by reaching advance agreement on all the stages according to a timetable. He suggested that we should consult about this through diplomatic channels. I agreed on the strict understanding that we should avoid complicating Dr. Jarring's task.

I expressed concern at the recent East German interference with access to Berlin and at Soviet support for it. I also urged the Soviet Government to respond constructively to the Federal German Government's efforts to improve relations with the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe.

Mr. Gromyko and I agreed that everything should be done to obtain the earliest possible endorsement of the Non-Proliferation Treaty by the United Nations General Assembly.

As on previous similar occasions, I raised the case of Mr. Gerald Brooke, and, in particular, urged that early Consular access to him be granted.

The main purpose of my visit to Bonn was to renew personal contact with Herr Brandt. I took the opportunity to assure him of our support for Berlin and for the Federal Government's efforts to improve relations with Eastern Europe. I also made clear to Herr Brandt our continued determination to enter the European Economic Community. In addition to these major topics, we discussed other matters of current international interest.