HC Deb 10 July 1950 vol 477 cc956-7
50. Mr. J. Amery

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether there is still a British Consular representative with the Chinese Nationalist Government on Formosa.

Mr. Ernest Davies

His Majesty's Government has no representative accredited to the former Nationalist Government with whom relations were severed on 6th January. In accordance with normal practice, His Majesty's Consul at Tamsui remained at his post to protect British interests and residents in his consular district and he has contact only with the provincial authorities.

55. Mr. Wyatt

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what assistance the British Government has promised to the United States Government for the defence of Formosa

Mr. Ernest Davies

None, Sir.

Mr. Wyatt

Would the Minister consider making a statement to make it clear that we do not propose to extend the conflict beyond Korea if possible, by giving aid in the defence of Formosa, which is an entirely different theatre and which we have recognised as being under the suzerainty of the Chinese Communist Government?

Mr. Davies

Our policy was made clear in this House by the Prime Minister on 28th June, when he said: We have decided to support the United States action in Korea by immediately placing our naval forces in Japanese waters at the disposal of the United States authorities to operate on behalf of the Security Council in support of South Korea."—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 28th June, 1950; Vol. 476, c. 2323.]

Mr. Harrison

Does the Minister seriously suggest that we could confine the present bellicose action of foreign Powers out in the Far East to Korea? Would he not seriously consider if we cannot otherwise satisfactorily settle the Far Eastern situation, that we should take part in the defence of Formosa?

Mr. Speaker

Hon. Members are getting far too wide in their supplementary questions. The Question on the paper only asks what assistance the Government have promised in the defence of Formosa.