§ 46. Group Captain C. A. B. Wilcockasked the Prime Minister if he will make representations to the United Nations Commander in Korea to refrain from committing troops of the Commonwealth Brigade in offensive action while the Armistice Commission is in session.
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. I would not in any event consider making such representations without first consulting the other Commonwealth Governments concerned. I do not, however, propose to approach these Governments as His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom have complete confidence in the United Nations Commander in his conduct of operations in Korea.
§ Group Captain WilcockWhile thanking the Prime Minister for that reply, may I ask him whether he agrees that operations other than those of a purely defensive nature create an atmosphere in which it is impracticable to carry on successful negotiations to an armistice? Further, does not the Prime Minister agree that casualties at such a time are particularly distressing and, in view of these circumstances, will he reconsider this suggestion?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not wish to add to what I have said on this matter, which concerns so many countries besides our own.