HC Deb 10 December 1968 vol 775 cc92-3W
Sir C. Osborne

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, in view of the deterioration in Anglo-Soviet affairs, and the recent communication received from the Soviet Government, if he will give details of the proposals he has for preventing a further deterioration in Anglo-Soviet relations.

Mr. M. Stewart

A reply to the Soviet memorandum of 2nd December will be given shortly, and the text will be published. The deterioration in Anglo-Soviet relations has not been of Her Majesty's Government's making. Her Majesty's Government for their part desire the best possible relations with the Government and people of the Soviet Union. But an improvement in these relations must depend on the readiness of the Soviet Government to respect the principles of international law and the Charter of the United Nations.