HC Deb 26 June 1950 vol 476 cc1904-6
Mr. Churchill (by Private Notice)

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make on the situation in Korea.

The Prime Minister

Yes, Sir. Reports were received yesterday indicating that forces from North Korea had crossed the 38th Parallel at a number of points, in the course of the invasion of the Korean Republic. At the request of the Government of the United States of America an emergency meeting of the Security Council was held, at which a resolution was passed to the effect that the action of the forces of North Korea constituted a breach of the peace. The resolution called for the immediate cessation of hostilities, and called upon the authorities of North Korea to withdraw forthwith their armed forces to the 38th Parallel. The resolution further called upon all members to render every assistance to the United Nations in the execution of this resolution and to refrain from giving assistance to the North Korean authorities. The delegate of the Soviet Union did not attend.

His Majesty's Government are deeply concerned that this breach of the peace should have occurred in a country which is the special responsibility of the United Nations, and where a United Nations' Commission is actually functioning. His Majesty's Government welcome the resolution adopted by the Security Council, and it is their earnest hope that all concerned will duly comply with it.

Mr. Churchill

We shall be grateful if the Prime Minister will keep us informed from day to day in the next day or two on this matter.

The Prime Minister

Certainly, Sir.

Mr. A. Fenner Brockway

In view of the momentous gravity of a possible situation and the absence of the Russian delegate from the Security Council owing to the Chinese representation upon it, will the Prime Minister take steps through the Secretary-General of the United Nations to try to find some other means of opening discussions with the Russians on this matter?

The Prime Minister

This is a matter which is before the Security Council. It is not a matter of opening discussions with the Russians. The situation has arisen between North Korea and South Korea.

Mr. Keeling

Can the Prime Minister say whether contact is being maintained with His Majesty's Minister in Seoul?

The Prime Minister

No, Sir. We only have a Consul, I think, in Seoul. We are keeping in contact.

Mr. Keeling

He is a Minister.

Mr. Bellenger

Did my right hon. Friend understand from the question put by the Leader of the Opposition that he was asking that the House should be kept fully informed within the next few days?

The Prime Minister

Yes, that is what I said.

Mr. Peter Roberts

In view of the very grave situation, if the North Korean Government refuse to consider this resolution will the Prime Minister advise his representative in the United Nations to ask for the use of the atomic bomb—[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh!"]—Certainly—upon the capital of North Korea?

Mr. Speaker

A question which asks "if" is bound to be hypothetical, and, therefore, out of order.