§ Mr. Eden(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether he can now make a statement with regard to the recent conversations between the Soviet Deputy Foreign Minister and His Majesty's Ambassador in Moscow.
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir.
In view of the publication this morning in Moscow of a version of the exchanges which have taken place between His Majesty's Government and the Soviet Government on the Korean issue, I think it desirable to bring the facts to the notice of the House.
The Soviet Government were not represented at the meetings of the Security Council which discussed the Korean issue, and His Majesty's Government accordingly decided to establish direct contact with the Soviet Government in an effort to secure their co-operation in effecting a peaceful settlement of the Korean conflict.
Accordingly, on 29th June His Majesty's Ambassador in Moscow expressed to the Soviet authorities the urgent hope of His Majesty's Government that the Soviet Government would cooperate to this end.
2480 Mr. Pavlov, whom His Majesty's Ambassado saw in the absence of Mr. Gromyko, promised to refer the request to Mr. Gromyko.
On 6th July, Sir David Kelly was asked to call on Mr. Gromyko, who asked him if His Majesty's Government adhered to the statement made to Mr. Pavlov. Sir David Kelly confirmed that this was indeed the attitude of His Majesty's Government. Mr. Gromyko then said that the Soviet Government also wished for a peaceful settlement, and inquired whether Sir David Kelly had any propositions to make. Sir David Kelly said that it was the hope of His Majesty's Government that the Soviet Government would use their influence with the North Koreans to stop bloodshed.
The United Nations Commission had been working in Korea to promote the peaceful union of the two halves, and we wished to return to the status quo and to stop the war. Mr. Gromyko said that the position of the Soviet Government was already known from published documents. The Soviet Government wished for a peaceful settlement, and he asked Sir David Kelly whether he had any specific proposals to make. Sir David Kelly replied that what he was asking was that the Soviet Government would use their influence with the North Koreans. He added that he would report at once what Mr. Gromyko had said and would ask to see him again if he received a further communication for him.
At a further meeting with Mr. Gromyko on 11th July, Sir David Kelly said that His Majesty's Government noted the wish of the Soviet Government for a peaceful settlement, which was also the earnest wish of His Majesty's Government. Sir David Kelly said that by specific proposals Mr. Gromyko no doubt meant offers to be binding if accepted. He explained the Security Council had made recommendations which had received the overwhelming support of the United Nations, and proposals in this sense could only be made by His Majesty's Government if they carried the assent of other United Nations chiefly concerned. In view of their collective responsibility, His Majesty's Government could not run so far ahead as this. Their preliminary suggestion was that the forces making for peace should join together to bring about the cessation of hostilities and the withdrawal of the 2481 North Korean forces beyond the 38th Parallel, without concerning themselves for the moment with other causes of difference which had arisen in the past in connection with the Korean question.
Sir David Kelly went on to say that, irrespective of other considerations, the plain fact was that the hostilities were due to the North Koreans having crossed the 38th Parallel, and the best suggestion which His Majesty's Government, as a member of the United Nations, could make was to urge the Soviet Government, likewise a member of the United Nations, to add their efforts to those of other members by using their influence with the North Koreans.
Sir David Kelly made it clear that he was not speaking for any other Government or organisation but only for His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom, who felt deeply the dangers of the present situation and who earnestly appealed to the Soviet Government to add their efforts to those of other members of the United Nations and to use their influence to secure a return to the methods of peaceful negotiation. Sir David Kelly said that he would be glad to pass on any suggestions which Mr. Gromyko had to make. Mr. Gromyko said that the Soviet Government would be informed.
Sir David Kelly was again requested to call on Mr. Gromyko on 17th July. Mr. Gromyko briefly summarised Sir David Kelly's communication of 11th July, and stated that, in the opinion of the Soviet Government, the best means for a peaceful settlement of the Korean question was the convening of the Security Council with the indispensable participation of the Chinese People's Government. He added that representatives of the Korean people should be heard and that the Security Council should then solve the Korean question.
Sir David Kelly stated that the general attitude of His Majesty's Government to the representation of the Chinese People's Government was known; but that this question was separate from that of the actual situation, which was that forces representing 53 United Nations were being attacked in South Korea.
He inquired whether it was the view of the Soviet Government that this situation should be referred to the Security Council with the Chinese People's 2482 Government participating, and that meanwhile hostilities should continue. Mr. Gromyko merely replied that it was for the Security Council to solve the broad Korean question. At their previous meetings, the exchanges between Sir David Kelly and Mr. Gromyko had been oral. On this occasion, however, Mr. Gromyko, in addition to outlining his views orally, handed to Sir David Kelly a text containing the views of the Soviet Government.
In view of the publication today of the Soviet version of these conversations, His Majesty's Government have decided that, to avoid misunderstanding, their views will be made known to the Soviet Government in writing.
Sir David Kelly has therefore been instructed to deliver an Aide Memoire to the Soviet Government confirming and summarising the views of His Majesty's Government. These, in short, are that the immediate issue is to stop hostilities in Korea, in regard to which His Majesty's Government reaffirm their support for the resolutions of the Security Council; and that the restoration of peace in Korea cannot be made conditional on the settlement of other issues. Noting the expressed desire of the Soviet Government for a peaceful settlement, His Majesty's Government reiterate the hope that the Soviet Government will use their influence with the North Koreans to bring about an immediate end of hostilities and the withdrawal of the North Korean forces to the northward of the 38th Parallel.
§ Mr. EdenMay I ask the Prime Minister whether, in fact, the Security Council itself, in view of the absence of the Soviet Government from the discussion, did not send a message to the Soviet Government asking them to use their good offices to secure the withdrawal of the North Korean troops to the 38th Parallel; and whether these other discussions which we have had with the Soviet Government have been with the full knowledge, at every stage, of our colleagues on the Security Council?
§ The Prime MinisterI think the right hon. Gentleman is right in saying that that request was made to the Soviet Government, and our approach was merely to see whether, acting strictly within the Resolution of the Security Council, we could ourselves ask the 2483 Soviet Government to assist in bringing about a cessation of hostilities on the terms of the Declaration.
§ Mr. EdenWould the Prime Minister mind answering the last part of my question, which was whether other Governments, our colleagues on the Security Council, have been fully informed of this, and whether he is able to tell us whether any reply was sent by the Soviet Government to the Security Council?
§ The Prime MinisterOur colleagues were fully informed.
§ Mr. PatonIs my right hon. Friend aware that this diplomatic initiative by His Majesty's Government, expressing as it does the will of the United Nations, will be heartily welcomed by most of the people throughout the world?
§ Mr. Emrys HughesIs the Prime Minister aware that most of the people throughout the world are very anxious to have peace; and will he consider the question of urging the Security Council to accept on the Security Council a representative of the Government of China, which His Majesty's Government have already recognised?
§ The Prime MinisterThat is entirely a separate question. As I have stated, His Majesty's Government are not prepared to try to make a bargain on this point.