HC Deb 28 January 1948 vol 446 cc995-6
38. Professor Savory

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will now state the grounds for the refusal by the Soviet Union to allow the Commission established by the General Assembly of the United Nations to enter the zone occupied by the Russians; and whether he proposes to take any action to support the efforts of the Commission to enter the zone in order to assist in the setting-up of Korea as an independent state.

Mr. McNeil

The Soviet representative at the United Nations Assembly made it clear that his Government did not intend to co-operate in any way with the work of the Commission on Korea. The refusal of the Soviet Government to permit the entry to the Northern zone of the Commission is in line with the attitude they have adopted since the inception of the Commission. With regard to the second part of the Question, when official reports from the Commission have been received, it will be for the members of the United Nations concerned, including His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom to consider the next step.

Professor Savory

In the meantime, will the right hon. Gentleman make it absolutely clear that it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to restore Korea as an independent unified State?

Mr. McNeil

It has already been made plain that it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to carry out the decision of the United Nations.

Major Lloyd

Is this not another example of a complete breach of their obligations by Soviet Russia?