HC Deb 21 June 1950 vol 476 cc1265-6
6. Mr. Fitzroy Maclean

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any further statement to make regarding the negotiations in progress between His Majesty's Government and the Communist authorities in Peking.

Mr. Younger

Yes, Sir. On 17th June His Majesty's Charge d'Affaires at Peking delivered a reply to the Chinese Government's communication of 8th May in which they requested further elucidation of His Majesty's Government's attitude on two main questions, namely, Chinese representation on the United Nations and Chinese State property in British territory. Our position on both questions is already known, and there is nothing I can usefully add at this present stage to what my right hon. Friend said in the House on 24th May.

Mr. Maclean

Will the Minister of State give a firm assurance that the Government will not alter their attitude at U.N.O. or anywhere else simply to meet Communist demands?

Mr. Younger

I think I have already said, in answer to a previous Question on the subject, that there is no question of a deal or appeasement in this matter.

Mr. Gammans

Will the hon. Gentleman say what he means by "Chinese State property in British territory"?

Mr. Younger

I think the property which is causing the arguments is aircraft which are claimed as such by the Chinese in Hong Kong.

Mr. Eden

And we do not admit their claim?

Mr. Younger

Precisely. This is a matter which, as my right hon. Friend has said, must be settled by the courts.

Air-Commodore Harvey

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is concern in this country at the way the British Government have been humiliated by the Communist Government in Peking?