TALKS WITH RUSSIA

Press, Volume XCI, Issue 27639, 21 April 1955, Page 13

TALKS WITH RUSSIA

Eden’s Statement

LONDON, April 19. Sir Anthony Eden, the Prime Minister, told the House of Commons today to rest assured that his Government would do everything in its power to speed consultations with Russia on the reduction of international tension. He said: “I hope it will be possible for the Foreign Secretary (Mr Harold Macmillan) to make a further announcement on this Subject in the next few days.”

Sir Anthony Eden replied to three questions asking if he would indicate the present position on top-level talks designed to reduce international tension. They were the first questions he has answered as Prime Minister, and the House cheered him as he rose to spe&k. The Prime Minister told a packed House that it remained the British Government’s aini to bring about negotiations with the Soviet Union as; soon as possible after ratification of the London and Paris agreements. The Prime Minister said his Government welcomed the statement in the communique issued in Moscow on April 15, in which Austria and the Soviet Government expressed their desire for the early conclusion of a State Treaty.

‘‘We earnestly hope a treaty can now at last be concluded,” he said.