§ 7. Mr. A. Fenner Brockwayasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what representations His Majesty's Government have made in respect of the Japanese Government's policy of recognising the Chinese Nationalist Government situated in Formosa instead of the Government of the Chinese People's Republic.
§ 12. Mr. Michael Footasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what representations have been made by His Majesty's Government with regard to the future diplomatic relations between Japan and China.
§ 14. Mr. Stephen Swinglerasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what representations he made to the United States Government during his visit to Washington about the diplomatic relations of Japan under the Treaty of Peace.
§ Mr. EdenHis Majesty's Government have repeatedly stated in this House and to the American Authorities in Tokyo and at Washington their view that relations between Japan and China should be a matter for decision by the Japanese Government after the Peace Treaty comes into force and Japanese sovereignty is fully restored. That has always been our view, and it is still our view. It applies equally to Japan's relations with countries other than China.
§ Mr. BrockwayWhilst I appreciate that statement, is it not the fact that America has exerted influence upon the Japanese Government to recognise the 166 Government of Formosa and to refuse recognition to the Chinese People's Republic?
§ Mr. SpeakerThe right hon. Gentleman is not responsible for the American Government.
§ Mr. BrockwayMay I put it this way? Has the right hon Gentleman made representations to the American Government on the matter to which I have referred?
§ Mr. EdenI can assure the hon. Gentleman, as I have said here, that we made our views absolutely plain to the United States Government on a considerable number of occasions. They were fully aware that that was our view, and they are fully aware that that is still our view.
§ Mr. FootCan the right hon. Gentleman say at what date he was informed of the letter dated 24th December which had been sent by the Prime Minister of Japan to Mr. Dulles; and does he not think that the actions of the American Government in this respect amount to a "double-cross" of the British Government about the negotiations?
§ Mr. EdenSome time ago. I knew, of course, that the American Government took a different view from us on this subject. Of course I did; that was the object of all our discussions. My attempt was to try to persuade the American Government to take our view, but I did not succeed. However, I think it is only fair to add that each Government is entitled to take its own view. This is a matter on which we agree to differ. Fortunately there are not many such topics between us and the United States Government.
§ Mr. SwinglerAre we to take it from the Foreign Secretary's reply that the assurances given at the time of the ratification of the Treaty by this House—that the Japanese Government would be left free to decide its own diplomatic relations—were false assurances?
§ Mr. EdenSo far as His Majesty's Government are concerned, we have 167 always maintained that that should be the position, and we continue to maintain that that should be the position. That has always been my view, and I agreed with the late Government in that. It is still my view at the present moment. America knows it, and I have no doubt they would say they know we did not agree with them on this subject
§ Mr. Anthony GreenwoodOn the question of the existence of Mr. Yoshida's letter, can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the American Government acquainted him of the terms of that letter, either before or during the Washington talks after which we were told that increasing harmony between American policy and our own was to be the keynote in the future?
§ Mr. EdenI can say that His Majesty's Government have had no part, tacit or otherwise, in the drafting or publication of that letter. We could not possibly have, because it does not express the views of His Majesty's Government, which have been repeatedly stated to the American Government.
§ Mr. Sydney SilvermanAs a great many Members of this House voted in favour of ratification of the Treaty in the Bill which was recently before the House on the representation that the Japanese Government would be free to make its choice after ratification—even though one does not wish to accuse the Government of any unconscious misrepresentation on the subject—does it not follow that the House ought to have an opportunity now of reconsidering its decision with regard to that ratification?
§ Mr. EdenI do not think the hon. Gentleman suggested or meant to suggest that we had been guilty of any bad faith in this matter. I really could not have been more explicit at every stage of these negotiations as to what my view was, and it was not based on any previous undertaking by the late Government, although I agreed with them. At the same time, as the hon. Gentleman will realise, although this document has been written by the Japanese Government to the United States Government, it still remains a fact that no decision by the Japanese can, under existing arrangements, be taken until they are free to carry it out, after ratification—that is, after the Peace Treaty has been signed.
§ Mr. SpeakerI am afraid we cannot carry on this matter further at this stage. There is a foreign affairs debate next week.
§ Mr. SwinglerOn a point of order. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.
§ Mr. SpeakerThat point of order puts a stop to further questions.
§ 19. Mr. Harold Daviesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when he was informed by the Japanese Government that they intended to recognise the Government of Chiang Kai-shek.
§ Mr. EdenA Representative of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed the United Kingdom Liaison Mission at Tokyo on the morning of the 16th January.