HC Deb 06 June 1962 vol 661 cc76-7W
Sir C. Osborne

asked the Lord Privy Seal what reasons were given by the representative of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics at Geneva in repudiating the declaration against war propaganda which he had accepted only a few days previously at the Disarmament Conference in Geneva, and which the Conference proposed, to adopt formally and unanimously; what official communication he has received from the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on this matter; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Heath

The reasons given were:

  1. (i) an article by the West German Defence Minister, Herr Strauss;
  2. (ii) alleged continuing West German revanchism;
  3. (iii) action in Thailand by the United States and other states;
  4. (iv) alleged pronouncements by United States statesmen about taking a nuclear initiative; and
  5. (v) the publication of a book by a private citizen of the United States.

Her Majesty's Government have received no official communication from the Soviet Government on this matter.

I have nothing further to add to what my hon. Friend told the House on 4th June and to my Written Answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Louth (Sir C. Osborne) yesterday.