§ 30. Mr. Osborneasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has any statement to make on the civil war in China, in view of the gravity of its repercussions in British trading interests; and what active steps he is taking towards the ending of this situation.
§ Mr. BevinArmed clashes on a considerable scale between the Chinese Government troops and the Chinese Communists have taken place, more especially in North China. Mean-while, negotiations between the Chinese Government and the Communists continue. The Chinese Government also announced recently the postponement of the convocation of the National People's Assembly until 5th May next year, to permit of its being preceded by the meeting of a Political Consultative Council representative of all parties, which will have authority to discuss, and if possible settle, the points at issue between the Chinese Government and the Communists.
His Majesty's Government regard this as an internal problem for the Chinese themselves to resolve. Although there is no evidence that British trading interests 1307 have so far been directly affected by the dispute, I am most anxious to see a settlement.
§ Mr. OsborneIs the Minister aware that arms are being supplied to either side by two of the old great Allies, and is there not a danger that this might develop into a second Spain? Will the Minister and the Government do what they can to prevent that situation arising?
§ Air-Commodore HarveyWill the Foreign Minister state whether discussions with the Soviet Union and America have taken place on the general situation in China?
§ Mr. GallacherHave not the leaders of the Soviet Union made a declaration that they recognise one Government in China —that of the Kuomintang?