HC Deb 02 March 1959 vol 601 cc19-20
31. Mr. Zilliacus

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will agree to discuss the Soviet Government's proposal for the establishment of a nuclear-free zone in the Far East, and will as a first step propose to refrain from introducing nuclear weapons or bases into the territories of Tai-Wan, South Korea, or any of the Far Eastern South-East Asia Treaty Organisation powers, in return for similar action by the People's Republic of China, North Korea and North Viet Nam, and by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in its maritime provinces in Siberia.

Mr. Profumo

If the hon. Member is referring to some recent remarks by the Soviet Prime Minister, the answer is "No, Sir." I cannot discuss so vague a suggestion, let alone make a proposal of the kind suggested by the hon. Member.

Mr. Zilliacus

Is it not a fact that the United States is introducing nuclear weapons and bases into Formosa and Southern Korea, and eventually into Southern Viet Nam? Would it not be desirable to take action to prevent the situation in that part of the world becoming more and more dangerous and explosive instead of doing nothing until an incident occurs?

Mr. Profumo

That is really rather more a matter for the United States Government than for Her Majesty's Government.

Mr. Zilliacus

Is it not a matter Her Majesty's Government should say something about?

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