HC Deb 12 July 1966 vol 731 cc187-90W
Q8. Mr. Brewis

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement on the recent visit of the French Premier and Foreign Secretary.

Q9. Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

asked the Prime Minister if he will place in the Library a text of the communiqué issued at the end of his discussions with the French Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary.

Q10. Mr. Blaker

asked the Prime Minister if he will make a statement about his recent discussions with the French Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary.

Q11. Mr. Walters

asked the Prime Minister what discussions he had with the French Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary on Great Britain's entry into the European Economic Community and what progress was achieved.

Mr. Edelman

Q18. and Q19. asked the Prime Minister (1) what further arrangements he made with the French Prime Minister in connection with the production of the Concord aircraft;

(2) whether he will make a statement on his recent discussions with the French Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister

I would refer hon. Members to the joint communiqué issued on 8th July, 1966, after the visit to London of the French Prime Minister (M. Pompidou) and the French Minister of Foreign Affairs (M. Couve de Murville):

At the invitation of the British Government the French Prime Minister, M. Georges Pompidou, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs M. Maurice Couve de Murville, paid an official visit to London from 6th to 8th July. The visit was in return for that paid by the Prime Minister to Paris on 2nd and 3rd April, 1965

The French Prime Minister and Mme. Pompidou were received in Audience by the Queen.

M. Pompidou had several discussions with Mr. Wilson. For his part, M. Couve de Murville had separate discussions with Mr. Stewart. There were also plenary meetings of the Prime Ministers and Foreign Ministers in which the First Secretary of State, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, the Minister of Transport, the Minister of Technology. and the Minister of Defence for the Royal Air Force took part.

These conversations covered all the principal questions of common interest to the two countries.

The two Governments agreed that a new relationship between the countries of the East and the West was beginning to develop in Europe and a general tendency towards détente. They agreed that this was a satisfactory process which should therefore be encouraged. The French Prime Minister explained that this was the principal purpose of the recent visit to the Soviet Union by General de Gaulle. The British Prime Minister recalled the British Government's efforts to bring about a détente and in particular his own contacts with Soviet leaders.

The two Prime Ministers expressed very keen preoccupation over the grave situation in Vietnam. They agreed that a settlement can only be reached through negotiation on the basis of the independence of Vietnam and noninterference in its internal affairs in conformity with the 1954 Geneva Agreements.

The talks also covered the present situation in the Atlantic Alliance and the discussions in the Permanent Council arising from recent French moves with respect to N.A.T.O. Mr. Wilson and M. Pompidou agreed that it was desirable for these discussions to reach a positive conclusion as soon as possible. Mr. Wilson underlined the importance attached by Her Majesty's Government to practical arrangements for continued French participation in the Alliance.

The two Prime Ministers discussed the situation resulting from the membership of France and Britain of separate European economic groups. They reaffirmed that the successful outcome of the Geneva tariff negotiations would mitigate the effects of this situation.

Mr. Wilson reaffirmed the readiness of Britain to join the E.E.C. provided her essential interests could be met. M. Pompidou recalled that nothing prevented the entry of Britain into the Common Market provided that she accepted the Treaty of Rome and the arrangements subsequently agreed. It was agreed that the two Governments would remain in contact with each other, as with the Governments of Member States of the European Economic Community other than France, for further discussion of these questions.

The Prime Minister described the rigorous measures which Britain had taken to strengthen her economy and redress the balance of payments. The French Prime Minister expressed his Government's interest in the success of these measures.

The Prime Ministers reviewed the whole range of Anglo-French co-operation within the last year. They recognised that this cooperation was particularly desirable in the most advanced technical fields. They discussed in detail the prospects in the fields of military aircraft, civil aircraft and other fields of civilian technology. They agreed that wherever possible this co-operation should be extended to include other European countries who might wish to join particular projects.

They reviewed the progress made on research and development projects relating to o the various co-operative programmes. Certain of these required further adjustment and clarification. It was agreed that further efforts should be made to meet their joint requirements through the technical and industrial collaboration of the two countries.

The Prime Ministers examined the situation of and prospects for Franco-British co- operation in the field of aeronautical construction. In particular they discussed the fulfilment of the Concord programme. They confirmed their intention of proceeding with this, while maintaining constant scrutiny of the financial aspects.

They noted with satisfaction that the Mixed Commission set up to study the technical, juridical, economic and financial problems relating to the Channel Tunnel project was on the point of completing its work. It was agreed that the report of the Commission, after careful examination by both sides, would be discussed between the two Governments with a view to finding a solution for the construction work on mutually acceptable terms. Subject to finding such a solution the two Governments have now taken the decision that the Tunnel should be built.

The two Prime Ministers agreed that the conversations, which took place in a spirit of cordial understanding, had been very useful for both their Governments and for the development of their co-operation in many fields. They agreed to remain in contact and have further discussions at regular intervals.

10, Downing Street.

8th July, 1966.