Oral Answers to Questions — Wireless and Television – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 10 November 1964.
Mr Hector Hughes
, Aberdeen North
12:00,
10 November 1964
asked the Prime Minister (1) if he will invite the heads of the Russian and Chinese Governments to a representative international conference in Britain to discuss international disarmament and peace;
(2) if he is aware that the Prime Minister of China has invited President Johnson of the United States of America to take part in a world summit conference to abolish nuclear weapons; if he has received a similar invitation; and what action he proposes to take.
Mr Harold Wilson
, Huyton
I have received a message from the Chinese Prime Minister, proposing that a summit conference of all countries be convened to discuss nuclear disarmament. This message is being studied and Her Majesty's Government are consulting with other friendly Governments.
Mr Cyril Osborne
, Louth Borough
Has the Prime Minister any evidence that the Chinese Government have modified their view of the inevitability of war between the Capitalist and Communist countries—[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh"]—Oh, yes—and is it not this belief that is making it impossible for the Americans to co-operate in any general disarmament until the Chinese Government have repudiated that belief that war is inevitable?
Mr Harold Wilson
, Huyton
I certainly have not received any message from the Chinese Prime Minister reiterating that view.
Mr Victor Goodhew
, St Albans
If the right hon. Gentleman hopes to have negotiations in the near future, will he see that there is a Foreign Secretary in the House to answer Questions?
Mr Harold Wilson
, Huyton
I have said that we are consulting other friendly Governments on the reply that should be sent to the Chinese Prime Minister's proposals.
Mr Cyril Osborne
, Louth Borough
With your permission, Mr. Speaker, owing to the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I beg leave to give notice that I should like to raise the matter on the Adjournment.
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