HC Deb 20 July 1950 vol 477 cc2483-4
Mr. Eden

(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether he could make a statement about the Message of the President to the Congress of the United States.

The Prime Minister

Yes, Sir. His Majesty's Government warmly welcome the message sent by President Truman to the United States Congress yesterday.

These decisions demonstrate the determination of the United States Government to discharge their obligations under the United Nations Charter in the cause of peace, with particular reference to the obligations which they, in common with other members of the United Nations, have assumed under the Security Council resolutions on Korea.

The knowledge that the immense resources of the United States are now being geared to these tasks will give heart and encouragement to free peoples throughout the world, and in particular to the sorely pressed people of South Korea and to others who may be menaced by aggression.

The British people are engaged in a hard struggle for economic recovery from the consequences of the war and British resources are still strained. Nevertheless, His Majesty's Government will consider what can be done to match the high purpose and resolve to which Mr. Truman has given expression on behalf of the American people.

Mr. Eden

Will the right hon. Gentleman accept that on this side of the House we regard the President's statement as one of encouragement and hope to the world?

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Can the Prime Minister say whether there will be an opportunity of debating the whole question of these exchanges of notes before the House rises?

The Prime Minister

That question can be put to my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House.

Mr. Snow

Would my right hon. Friend bear in mind the importance of informing some Republican Congressmen that this country has been maintaining between 40,000 and 50,000 troops in Malaya fighting Communist aggression for a very long time, with not unimportant casualties?