HC Deb 25 July 1951 vol 491 cc443-4
8. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if His Majesty's Government will now give the assurance that on the cessation of hostilities in Korea he will be willing to assist in the social and economic rehabilitation of Korea at least equivalent in cost to the British expenditure on the Korean campaign during the past six months; and that it will recommend the same policy to the other members of the United Nations.

Mr. Ernest Davies

His Majesty's Government have agreed to contribute up to £10 million to the United Nations Korean Reconstruction Agency for the relief and rehabilitation of Korea. This sum is approximately the same as the direct expenditure incurred by the United Kingdom in respect of the war in Korea during the first year of operations. I doubt, however, if it is appropriate, or indeed necessarily in the best interests of the Korean people, to base- contributions on the amounts expended in support of the resistance to aggression in Korea. Contributions should rather be related to the dimension of the task in Korea and to the ability of each country to contribute.

Mr. Sorensen

While I appreciate that reply, may I ask my hon. Friend if he in turn appreciates that such a suggestion as is embodied in the Question might have a tremendous psychological and moral effect in view of the very great devastation of that country?

Mr. Davies

Yes, Sir. We have taken note of the suggestion, but His Majesty's Government are as sympathetic as my hon. Friend about the position of refugees in Korea, and we are trying to do what we consider to be in their best interests.

Major Lloyd

Will the hon. Gentleman assure the House that any sympathetic consideration to the cost of rehabilitation of Korea will apply only to South Korea?

Mr. Davies

No, Sir.

Hon. Members

Why not?