HC Deb 02 March 1949 vol 462 cc345-6
33. Mr. William Teeling

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government has a consul in Formosa or a representative accredited to the Supreme Commander, Allied Forces, Tokyo; and what arrangements for the occupation and government of Formosa are in force pending the conclusion of a peace treaty with Japan.

Mr. Bevin

His Majesty's Consulate in Formosa is situated at Tamsui and is in charge of a regular member of His Majesty's Foreign Service. With regard to the second part of the Question, the hon. Member will be aware that one of the primary functions of the United Kingdom Liaison Mission in Tokyo is to maintain the closest possible liaison with the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers. In the Cairo Declaration the Heads of the Governments of the United States, the United Kingdom and China declared that Formosa would be restored to China. In view of this declaration the Chinese Government have assumed the administration of Formosa pending the conclusion of a Treaty of Peace with Japan.

Mr. Teeling

If the Chinese Government have taken over Formosa temporarily, what position is our Government going to take up if by any chance the Red Government of China should get control of Formosa, since the Americans have stated that Formosa is in their line of defence?

Mr. Bevin

I must have notice of that question.