HC Deb 04 July 1951 vol 489 cc2312-4
44. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why the regular reports promised from the United Nations Commission in Korea in respect of alleged atrocities have not yet been made available; and what conclusions the Commission reached in respect of those allegations.

Mr. Ernest Davies

No such reports had been promised. It has since become clear that these questions are outside the competence of the Commission.

Mr. Sorensen

is my hon. Friend aware that last December we were informed in this House that these reports would be made public; and, in view of the fact that the promise was made on that occasion that the reports were expected and would be made public, can we be told why these reports are not being made public?

Mr. Davies

At that time the Commission had only just arrived in Korea, and had not then been in a position to assess its responsibilities. It was decided that its responsibilities were limited to relief and rehabilitation in Korea.

Mr. Sorensen

In view of the promise made on this very important matter, could not something be done now in order to find out the nature of those reports? I would also draw the attention of my right hon. Friend to the fact that the last part of my Question has not been answered at all.

Mr. Davies

The reply I gave on 4th December was that I hoped that regular reports from the Commission would be available shortly. We thought at that time that their responsibilities would include this matter, but subsequently the United Nations' Commission decided that this was outside their competence.

Mr. Paget

Can we take it that if the present negotiations go through neither side will have been defeated, and that therefore defeat, which is a condition precedent of war criminality, will not arise?

Mr. Donnelly

Is my hon. Friend aware that there is considerable disquiet on this side of the House about some of the reports we have been receiving through the newspapers; and is he further aware that we would very much welcome some more positive action on the part of His Majesty's Government to clear up some of these rumours?

Mr. Davies

His Majesty's Government have made it quite clear from the beginning that we absolutely deplore atrocities on either side, and that everything within our power is done to investigate any cases which are brought to our attention, but at the present time we are not aware that any atrocities are being committed.

Mr. Sorensen

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.