§ 28. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what information he has received from 324 the United Nations about measures taken for the redistribution of land in North Korea; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BevinI have received no recent information on this subject from the United Nations. As hon. Members are aware, the new United Nations Commission is due to arrive in Korea very shortly, and may presently supply information about this. I do not, therefore, propose to make a statement now.
§ Mr. HughesHas the attention or the right hon. Gentleman been drawn to the article in "The Times" in which it is pointed out that the Government of Syngman Rhee is engaged in handing back land from the peasants to the landlords? In view of the importance of this question to the people of Korea, will he give an assurance that he will oppose any such action?
§ Mr. BevinThe Question asks me for information, and I propose to give the hon. Member information as soon as I have received it from the United Nations Commission.
§ Mr. Peter ThorneycroftIs it not a well-known trick that Communists and fellow-travellers promise to distribute property when trying to seize it, and then to collectivise or nationalise it as soon as it has been seized?