§ 13. Mr. Cocksasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the report of the Indian delegation which has recently visited China, which says that the delegation gained the impression that the Chinese Government and people were weary of the Korean war and might make peace if a face-saving formula were put forward by a neutral nation; and whether he will investigate the possibility of action along such lines.
§ Mr. Selwyn LloydYes, Sir. In consultation with other interested Governments, we are urgently trying to find a formula which would break the present deadlock at Panmunjom.
§ Mr. CocksWill the right hon. and learned Gentleman bear in mind the fact that India and China have been on terms of friendship for 1,000 years, and that there is no Power in Asia so capable of influencing China as India and the spiritual forces she represents?
§ Mr. LloydI can appreciate what the hon. Gentleman has said, and that is certainly a factor which Her Majesty's Government are bearing in mind. There is, however, one other matter which arises out of this Question. He refers to a face-saving formula, and if a formula is in fact to save faces it is probably not best described in that manner.