HC Deb 29 June 1950 vol 476 cc2460-2
Mr. Churchill (by Private Notice)

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

The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)

I have very little to add to the statements which I have previously made in the House. Hon. Members will probably have learnt by now with gratification that the Australian Government have decided to place Australian naval vessels at present in Far Eastern waters at the disposal of United States authorities on behalf of the Security Council in support of the Republic of Korea. Hon. Members will also have seen the statement of the Australian Prime Minister in support of President Truman's declaration. I have seen Press reports that the Australian Government are not proceeding with the withdrawal of Occupation Forces from Japan until the present emergency is past.

The New Zealand Government have stated their firm support for the action which is being taken by the United States and have offered to make certain naval forces available should they be required.

Hon. Members will already have seen the statement made in the Canadian Parliament yesterday by the Secretary of "State for External Affairs in which he intimated the support of the Canadian Government for the action taken by the Security Council and stated that Canada would be conferring through the United Nations with other members of the United Nations as to what action Canada could and should take.

Mr. Walter Fletcher

Would the Prime Minister state at some convenient but early moment what the Government propose to do on the question of Indo-China, which was referred to by President Truman in his original statement, as the action that may be taken there has so much to do with the defence of Malaya?

The Prime Minister

I think the hon. Member will realise that we are dealing here with a matter of aggression, in which we are acting with the United Nations. The question of Indo-China is a separate one and was dealt with quite separately by the United States spokesman.

Mr. Wyatt

In view of the situation created by events in Korea, would the Government now consider taking the initiative in trying to get an Asiatic pact, on the lines of the Atlantic Pact in Europe, without delay?

The Prime Minister

I do not think that that arises out of this question.

Mr. Sydney Silverman

In view of the supplementary question which was asked a little while ago, would my hon. Friend make it perfectly clear that our instructions to our Forces are to act strictly within the limits of the resolution of the Security Council?

The Prime Minister

I think that that has been made perfectly clear.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Has the Prime Minister any information about the strength of naval forces under the control of the North Korean Government, and is this display of naval force meant to be useful or is it just a theatrical gesture?

The Prime Minister

I have no information on that.

Mr. George Thomas

Could my right hon. Friend say whether the Security Council are in constant session, or is activity being left to the free will of the several Powers concerned.

The Prime Minister

I cannot say whether the Security Council are sitting at this moment, but, of course, they have been sitting and have been dealing with this matter.

Mr. Thomas

Every day?

Mr. James Hudson

Is my right hon. Friend quite sure that the United States are acting within the directions of the Security Council in the steps they are taking, not only in Korea, but elsewhere in the Pacific?