§ Mr. Eden(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement with regard to a possible cease-fire in Korea.
§ Mr. Emrys HughesOn a point of order. Is there not a Question already on the Order Paper on the subject—No. 70?
§ [Mr. EMRYS HUGHES,—To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will now make a further statement on Mr. Malik's proposal to end the war in Korea.]
§ Mr. SpeakerIt is somewhat different. The hon. Gentleman's Question referred to a Mr. Malik. This Question is a general one which, I gather, referred to communications which have taken place between General Ridgway and the two commanders on the other side. It is not the same question.
§ The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Herbert Morrison)At 11 p.m. (Tokyo time) on 1st July, a message was broadcast in Chinese by the Peking radio addressed to General Ridgway, Commander-in-Chief United Nations Forces, and signed jointly by the Commanders-in-Chief of the North Korean forces and of the Chinese armies in Korea. One translation of this message reads: "We are authorised to tell you that we agree to suspend military activities and to hold peace negotiations and that our delegates will meet yours." Another translation of the same passage reads: "Having been empowered to do so we hereby declare that we agree to meet with your representatives to negotiate peace in order to cease hostilities and restore peace." Both versions of the message suggested that the meeting should take place in the Kaesong area on the 38th Parallel in the West of Korea between 10th and 15th July.
1903 The message therefore appears to be in substance a response to General Ridgway's offer to discuss a cease-fire and His Majesty's Government welcome this development. It is expected that General Ridgway will send an affirmative reply to this message.
The discussions are for the moment concentrating (and in our view rightly) on the cease-fire which, I hope, will cover also arrangements for exchanges of prisoners, including civilians. It is the earnest hope of His Majesty's Government, not only that the cease-fire will be achieved but that the way will then be open to study other aspects of the Korean problem, including the relief of the distress caused to so many million Koreans in the last year.
We have full confidence in General Ridgway and I consider that it would be a mistake to indulge in too much public speculation on possible terms for the cease-fire.
§ Mr. EdenI know that the House will respond to the Foreign Secretary's suggestion that we should not indulge in speculation about the terms. May I confine myself to associating this side of the House with what the right hon. Gentleman said about General Ridgway and to expressing our satisfaction at the suggestion that the question of the exchange of prisoners-of-war should, if possible, figure in the armistice terms?
§ Mr. Emrys HughesMay I ask my right hon. Friend whether he agrees with me this time, that this is the best news we have had from Korea for over a year?
§ Mr. MorrisonIt is a great pleasure, on this occasion, to agree with my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. MikardoWill my right hon. Friend do everything in his power, in collaboration with our Allies, to ensure that the hopes of a cease-fire are not prejudiced by indiscreet speeches and even indiscreet actions on the part of the South Korean Government?
§ Mr. MorrisonYes, Sir; and I think on the part of everybody else as well.
§ Mr. Duncan SandysCan the right hon. Gentleman say what arrangements are being made to ensure that General Ridgway receives such political guidance 1904 as may be necessary? Can he assure us that His Majesty's Government are in close consultation with the American Government on this question?
§ Mr. MorrisonWe not only are in the closest touch, but we have been in the closest touch with the American Government. I think the right hon. Gentleman may safely assume that that aspect of the matter will be taken care of.
§ Mr. Sydney SilvermanCan my right hon. Friend say whether it is the case that the present proposals are being conducted between the military commanders on the basis that they are dealing with military security and a military cease-fire, and that politics do not for the moment enter into it?
§ Mr. MorrisonI think that would be right, Sir. It is a matter of fixing up the military circumstances of a cease-fire. Undoubtedly, political considerations will come into it later. If by any chance they should arise at this time machinery exists to deal with them, but I should have thought that for the moment it is mainly a matter between soldiers to fix the circumstances.
§ Several Hon. Members rose—
§ Mr. SpeakerAs the acting Leader of the Opposition said, I think questions now can only do harm. I think we had better get on with the next business.