HC Deb 28 November 1966 vol 737 cc19-21W
82. Mr. Eldon Griffiths

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what was the result of his visit to Moscow.

Mr. George Brown

This visit was a continuation of the talks I had with Mr. Gromyko in New York, but it also provided an opportunity of talking with Mr. Kosygin and Mr. Gromyko together. We talked about international and bilateral questions.

My general thought about these talks is that they were refreshing in the frankness that came from both sides. After my visit I am strengthened in my conviction that although we both recognise that there are important differences between us we can do business and we are developing the mutual confidence and trust that is essential to this.

Much of our time was devoted to Vietnam. I want to emphasise that this was not a negotiation. Neither of us was in a position to negotiate, or presumed to do so. It was an attempt to exchange thoughts. I think the exchange was useful, and I believe the Soviet side thought so too. It would not be helpful for me to say more, and I must ask the House to excuse me doing so.

89. Mr. Blaker

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on his recent visit to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.

Mr. George Brown

This visit was a continuation of the talks I had with Mr. Gromyko in New York, but it also provided an opportunity of talking with Mr. Kosygin and Mr. Gromyko together. We talked about international and bilateral questions.

My general thought about these talks is that they were refreshing in the frankness that came from both sides. After my visit I am strengthened in my conviction that although we both recognise that there are important differences between us we can do business and we are developing the mutual confidence and trust that is essential to this.

Much of our time was devoted to Vietnam. I want to emphasise that this was not a negotiation. Neither of us was in a position to negotiate, or presumed to do so. It was an attempt to exchange thoughts. I think the exchange was useful, and I believe the Soviet side thought so too. It would not be helpful for me to say more, and I must ask the House to excuse me doing so.

90. Mr. A. Royle

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on his visit to Moscow.

Mr. George Brown

This visit was a continuation of the talks I had with Mr. Gromyko in New York, but it also provided an opportunity of talking with Mr. Kosygin and Mr. Gromyko together. We talked about international and bilateral questions.

My general thought about these talks is that they were refreshing in the frankness that came from both sides. After my visit I am strengthened in my conviction that although we both recognise that there are important differences between us we can do business and we are developing the mutual confidence and trust that is essential to this.

Much of our time was devoted to Vietnam. I want to emphasise that this was not a negotiation. Neither of us was in a position to negotiate, or presumed to do so. It was an attempt to exchange thoughts. I think the exchange was useful, and I believe the Soviet side thought so too. It would not be helpful for me to say more, and I must ask the House to excuse me doing so.

Mr. Marten

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on his visit to Russia.

Mr. George Brown

This visit was a continuation of the talks I had with Mr. Gromyko in New York, but it also provided an opportunity of talking with Mr. Kosygin and Mr. Gromyko together. We talked about international and bilateral questions.

My general thought about these talks is that they were refreshing in the frankness that came from both sides. After my visit I am strengthened in my conviction that although we both recognise that there are important differences between us we can do business and we are developing the mutual confidence and trust that is essential to this.

Much of our time was devoted to Vietnam. I want to emphasise that this was not a negotiation. Neither of us was in a position to negotiate, or presumed to do so. It was an attempt to exchange thoughts. I think the exchange was useful, and I believe the Soviet side thought so too. It would not be helpful for me to say more, and I must ask the House to excuse me doing so.

Mr. Eldon Griffiths

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on his talks with Mr. Gromyko on South Vietnam.

Mr. George Brown

This visit was a continuation of the talks I had with Mr. Gromyko, in New York, but it also provided an opportunity of talking with Mr. Kosygin and Mr. Gromyko together. We talked about international and bilateral questions.

My general thought about these talks is that they were refreshing in the frankness that came from both sides. After my visit I am strengthened in my conviction that although we both recognise that there are important differences between us we can do business and are developing the mutual confidence and trust that is essential to this.

Much of our time was devoted to Vietnam. I want to emphasise that this was not a negotiation. Neither of us was in a position to negotiate, or presumed to do so. It was an attempt to exchange thoughts. I think the exchange was useful, and I believe the Soviet side thought so too. It would not be helpful for me to say more, and I must ask the House to excuse me doing so.