AIM OF BRITISH POLICY

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27191, 7 November 1953, Page 7

AIM OF BRITISH POLICY

Talks Sought “At Any Level” (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) (Rec. 11.15 p.m.) LONDON, November 6. In spite of disappointments, talks on any level remained Britain’s objective, the Foreign Secretary (Mr R. A. Eden) said in opening the foreign affairs debate on the Address-in-Reply to the Queen’s speech in the House of Commons last night. ’ Mr Eden said: “If others choose to slam the doors and to barricade them, ours will remain open. For our work is work for peace, which we shall not abandon.” He said he regretted that the Note to Russia offering discussions had been absolutely rejected. The Soviet reply laid down a large range of unacceptable conditions, which, if the West accepted them, would undermine security and make it impossible for Germany to regain her unity and freedom. “In spite of this setback, we remain prepared to discus* Germany and Austria with the Soviet at any time and any place without any prior conditions,” Mr Eden said.

Mr Eden said that the Soviet, in its hidden fastnesses, was examining plans and policies, nourishing fears and formulating hopes at which the West could only guess. In these mysteries lay, no doubt, a large part of the answer to the success and failure of the West’s efforts for peace.

Mr Eden told Mr A. Robens (Labour) that he did not think there was any possibility of agreement on the reunification of Germany, but it was not Britain’s fault:

Mr Hector McNeil, a former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, said it was a little facile of Mr Eden to say the Government- was prepared to work for a four-Power meeting at any level. Labour members cheered as he added: “I suggest that the first impediment to such a meeting will have to be removed in Washington, and not in Moscow.”

Lady Tweedsmuir (Conservative) urged Sir Winston Churchill to seek a personal interview alone with Mr Malenkov. She believed the Prime Minister was still “the greatest Parliamentarian and statesmen we shall see.” She pleaded with him to use his gifts while yet he might. Earlier in his speech Mr Eden said it was hard to find any sign that Russia had modified her fundamental hostility to the Western nations. “The propaganda continues just as before. It is to be carried out through strikes, through the fomenting of anti-Ameri-can feeling, and exploiting colonial unrest.”

Development of N.A.T.O. Mr Eden said the (Government’s first duty was' to strengthen and develop the’ North Atlantic Treaty and guard it against all efforts of “disruption -and disunity which will be directed against it.”

“If we fail to do this we shall paralyse every beneficial tendency towards peace, both in Europe and in Asia.” Mr Eden said it was through the European defence community with its many safeguards and collective machinery that Germany could most acceptably contribute to the defence of Europe. “I think the scheme has many faults, failings, and shortcomings, but it is the only scheme which brings Germany into this collaboration under safeguards which she accepts.” Referring to the Panmunjon discussions about the Korean political conference, Mr Eden said: “We and our Allies are working very hard to bring about this conference because we know, that if once we can achieve a Korean settlement we can then move on to a wider relaxation of the tension in the Far East.”

Israel-Jordan Border On the Middle East, Mr Eden said Britain was deeply concerned over the matter of tension on the IsraelJordan frontier. “I think the whole House will join in deploring the events at Qibya (the Arab village attacked by Israelis). It must be clear to everyone that an outrage of this kind can only obstruct the chances of peace which Israel assures us she is so anxious to obtain. “My hope is that, whatever the United Nations decide, the trust supervision organisation will be strengthened, because if the policy of reprisal is going to be allowed to continue, we shall ; never be able to get any peace negotiations going.” Speaking about the Suez Canal problem, Mr Eden said negotiations with Egypt were in a state of. “suspended animation.” A satisfactory agreement was still possible. Pointing out that the agreement between Egypt and Great Britain provided that the Sudanese elections should be carried out in a free and neutral atmosphere, Mr Eden declared: “We are certainly not satisfied with the way in which the Egyptian Government has so far carried out that pledge. “The Government-controlled newspapers and radio of Egypt, and a variety of other means have been used with full force to influence the decision of the Sudanese people in favour of the party which advocates a link with Egypt.”