§ 97. Mr. Bowerasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how and when it is proposed to implement the desire 11W expressed by the Conference of Commonwealth Prime Ministers that top-level talks should take place with Stalin or Mao Tse-tung with a view to arriving at fundamental solutions of world problems; and if he will take the initiative in promoting such talks.
§ Mr. YoungerAs my right hon. Friend indicated to the hon. Member in reply to a somewhat similar Question on 17th October last, His Majesty's Government would at once take up in consultation with their friends, any proposals that seemed to provide a real opportunity to reach a solution of some of the great world problems through meetings between the great Powers. That is still true, and, in fact, since that time His Majesty's Government, in common with the French and United States Governments, have been engaged in correspondence with the Soviet Government with a view to finding whether there is a basis for effective discussion of the principal problems outstanding between the four Powers. As regards China, His Majesty's Government supported the recent approach by the United Nations to the Chinese People's Government suggesting principles for a cease-fire in Korea followed by discussion of Far Eastern problems. I cannot yet say what the final outcome will be in either of these two matters. I think we must wait until they are a little clearer before there is any question of talks with Stalin or Mao Tse-tung.