§ 67. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will consult or has consulted with the United States of America as to the simultaneous recognition of any new de facto Government in China?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Godfrey Locker-Lampson)As was stated in the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Kidderminster (Mr. Wardlaw-Milne) on the 2nd May last, His Majesty's Government is in constant communication with the Governments of the United States of America and Japan on all matters which concern their joint interests in China. Such consultation would include the question of recognition if it should at any time arise.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWould the hon. Gentleman indicate to the House whether there is any risk of the United States Government recognising any Government in China before we do so, and can we take it that the consultation between us and the United States Government is likely to obviate that disaster?
§ Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONI should have thought that at the moment there is no risk of anyone recognising any Government in China, but the right hon. and gallant Gentleman may rest assured that we certainly should not recognise any de facto Government in China without consulting the other Governments.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODCan the hon. Gentleman say if that would be the policy of the United States Government also?
§ Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONI cannot say that. It must lie within the discretion of any other Government as to what exact action they adopt.