Monday, February 7, 1972
11
Relations in Sir Anthony Eden's Government. His term of office, lasting
for just over five years, covered important changes in Commonwealth
countries, including the independence of Ghana and the then Federation.
of Malaya. He visited almost every member country of the Commonwealth
during his term of office. From 1957 until 1960 Sir Alec held, in
addition, the office of Lord President of the Council, and was Leader
of the House of Lords.
His appointment as Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs
came in July 1960 when he succeeded Mr. Selwyn Lloyd. He travelled widely
and represented Britain in important conferences and negotiations,
including the General Assembly of the United Nations. He took a
leading part in the discussions which led to the signing of the partial
nuclear test ban treaty and visited Moscow for the signing of this pact
in August 1963.
As Foreign Minister Sir Alec was concerned to make the guiding
principles of British foreign policy more widely understood. In speeches
both at home and to international audiences he laid particular stress
on the interdependence of the Western nations and their responsibility
towards the less-developed parts of the world. The United Nations
Organisation he wished to see used as "an instrument of peaceful change
as well as a stabiliser of what peace we have".
As Prime Minister he made a visit to Canada and the United
States for discussions, and in February 1964 he and President Johnson
issued a joint statement of policy, declaring their continuing aim to
be the achievement and safeguarding of the integrity and stability of the
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