HC Deb 27 June 1950 vol 476 cc2102-3
Mr. Churchill

(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister if he has any further statement to make on the situation in Korea?

The Prime Minister

I have very little to add to the Press reports on the fighting in Korea. The scale and intensity of the attack leaves no doubt that this is a full-scale invasion. Although the attack was launched all along the 38th parallel, the first and main objective is clearly Seoul. The situation in and around Seoul is confused. There are reports that Northern Korean forces are pressing southwards to the east and west of Seoul, making full use of their superior mobility and greater weight of armour and artillery.

The latest information about the small United Kingdom community is that all of them and all the other Commonwealth women and children living in Seoul, who wished to leave, moved to Inchon (the port for Seoul) on 26th June, for evacuation by sea. The Security Council is meeting again this afternoon.

With permission of the House, I will interrupt the Debate later today if any further developments of importance occur.

Mr. Blackburn

While entirely recognising that this is primarily a United States responsibility, may I ask whether the Prime Minister would bear in mind that there are many people in this country who believe that His Majesty's Govern-men should support the United States under Article 47 of the Charter if they are prepared to take action in collective self-defence with Southern Korea against this monstrous invasion?

Mr. Churchill

May I venture to express the hope that the Prime Minister will reserve discussion of this matter until the announcement foreshadowed for five o'clock comes to be made?

The Prime Minister

I think that that would be much the better course.

Mr. McGovern

Has the Prime Minister noticed the large, bogus peace demonstrations that are being formulated by the Communist Party in the country, which are usually a prelude to some foul act by the Kremlin? Is he further aware that there is a growing volume of public opinion in this country which thinks that this bogus Communist Party, with its criminal conspiracy, should be outlawed?

Mr. Bellenger

Does the Prime Minister expect that he will interrupt the proceedings for his statement before 7 o'clock?

The Prime Minister

I cannot say, but I think so.

Mr. John Hay

What steps are being taken by the Government to safeguard the lives of British subjects?

The Prime Minister

I thought I had made that quite clear.