§ 99. Mr. Hollisasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement on the present position in Outer Mongolia; and what regime is recognised by His Majesty's Government as the government of that district.
Mr. McNeilNeither the Chinese nor the Soviet Government nor the authorities of Outer Mongolia have made any official communication to His Majesty's Government regarding the present position in Outer Mongolia. On 5th January last, however, the National Government of China issued the following communiqué:
On 20th October, 1945, a plebiscite was held by the people of Outer Mongolia, and Vice-Minister Lei Fa-chang of the Ministry of the Interior was sent there by the Central Government as an official observer. According to a report recently submitted by the Outer Mongolian officials in charge of the plebiscite proceedings, the result of the plebiscite has confirmed that the people of Outer Mongolia are in favour of independence. In accordance with a resolution of the Supreme National Defence Council this Government now recognise the independence of Outer Mongolia, and the Executive Yuan has duly directed the Ministry of the Interior officially to notify the Government of Outer Mongolia of this decision.His Majesty's Government will await an official statement on the position from the Chinese Government before they decide on their attitude with regard to recognition.
§ Mr. HollisI take it that by "this Government" the hon. Gentleman means the Chinese Government?