§ Mr. Winnickasked the Prime Minister if any steps are to be taken by the British embassy in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics to mark the 40th anniversary of the end of the war against Nazi Germany; whether it is intended to mark the occasion in Moscow jointly with representatives of the Soviet authorities; and if she will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterOur embassy in Moscow, together with those of our partners and allies, is continuing to monitor closely Soviet preparations for the commemoration of the end of the last war in Europe. If, in due course, the Soviet Union were formally to invite the United Kingdom to participate in the commemorative events in Moscow the invitation would be studied carefully and a reply given after consultation with our allies.
§ Mr. Winnickasked the Prime Minister if the Government intend to invite representatives of the United States of America, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and France to a gathering in the United Kingdom to mark the 40th anniversary of the end of the war against Nazi Germany; and if she will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterI refer the hon. Member to the replies I gave to my right hon. and learned Friend the Member for Hexham (Mr. Rippon) on 15 January at column 180 and to the right hon. Member for South Down (Mr. Powell) on 17 January at column 505. I expect both our wartime and our present allies to be represented.