§ 52. Mr. Swinglerasked the Prime Minister if, in his conversations in Moscow, he will explore the possibility of taking a first step to relaxing tension in Europe on the basis of the Rapacki Plan.
§ The Prime MinisterAs I made clear in my statement to the House on Thursday last about my forthcoming visit to Moscow, I do not propose to conduct a negotiation and it is not therefore my intention to advance any fixed view about the European questions now in dispute. On the other hand, I hope to gain a better understanding of what is in the minds of the Soviet leaders and give them a better knowledge of our own attitude so as to make it easier for our allies and ourselves later on to negotiate with them some relaxation of tension.
§ 53. Mr. Harold Daviesasked the Prime Minister whether, in order to provide a favourable atmosphere for the Moscow talks and Geneva negotiations, he will unilaterally and immediately suspend work on rocket bases and germ warfare and prohibit bombers based in this country from carrying nuclear weapons on patrol.
§ The Prime MinisterNo. I do not think that action of this kind would be helpful.
§ 54. Mr. Warbeyasked the Prime Minister whether, in his talks in Moscow, he will make it clear that he is prepared to consider means of achieving the reunification of Germany and a European 174W settlement which do not depend on free elections or the right of a united Germany to remain a member of military alliances.
§ The Prime MinisterI have nothing to add to the replies I gave to Questions by the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Ebbw Vale (Mr. Bevan) on 20th of January.