§ 2. Mr. F. Macleanasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will now make a further statement regarding the situation in Tibet.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 4th June to the hon. Member for Hornsey (Mr. Gammans).
§ Mr. MacleanIs it not the declared policy of His Majesty's Government to maintain Tibetan autonomy, and will not the Foreign Secretary agree that at the present time it seems most unlikely, to say the least, that Tibet will remain autonomous or, indeed, be anything except another Soviet satellite? Can he say what action His Majesty's Government propose to take?
§ Mr. MorrisonIt is, of course, of some importance what the attitude of the Tibetan Government is, but for external relations it is surely a matter in the first instance for India.
§ Mr. M. Philips PriceIs it not a fact that we now have no power in this matter, seeing that India is a neighbour of Tibet and not ourselves?
§ Mr. MorrisonI think there is a great deal of truth in what my hon. Friend says.
§ Mr. PickthornDo the last two replies mean that His Majesty's Government regard themselves as incapable of having a policy on Tibet because India is nearer?
§ Mr. MorrisonNo, Sir, it does not mean that; but the fact has to be faced that we have no diplomatic representation in Tibet.
§ Mr. Henry HopkinsonCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether His Majesty's Government are in consultation with the Governments of India, Pakistan and Nepal on this question?
§ Mr. MorrisonWe are being kept informed as to the position in India.
§ Mr. MacleanIs it not possible to bring the matter before the Security Council?
§ Mr. MorrisonI do not think it is for us to bring it up there. Tibet did bring it before the Security Council, but I do not know whether they are going to pursue the matter.
§ Mr. Maclean rose—
§ Mr. SpeakerWe cannot take all our time on this Question.