§ Mr. AtkinsonTo ask the Prime Minister if, in her recent discussions with President Gorbachev, she raised the right of self-determination of the Baltic states; and if she will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterI did not raise this specific issue with President Gorbachev. But the Soviet authorities are well aware that we have never recognised de jure the forcible incorporation of the former Baltic states into the Soviet. We are encouraged by recent signs that the Baltic peoples are increasingly able to express their views about their own future. We hope that this process will continue.