HC Deb 21 July 1952 vol 504 cc8-10
10. Mrs. Castle

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what further representations have been made by Her Majesty's Government to President Rhee with regard to constitutional development in South Korea: and with what result.

Mr. Nutting

Since the correspondence referred to by my right hon. and learned Friend in reply to the hon. Member for Broxtowe (Mr. Cocks) on 30th June, Her Majesty's Government, in a Note dated 14th July to the Korean Minister in London, have once again expressed the hope that martial law would be promptly lifted, the arrested members of the National Assembly released and a return to constitutional government ensured.

Mrs. Castle

In view of the fact that those representations have apparently had no effect, that martial law is still continuing and that President Rhee is now seeking to extend his term of office by unconstitutional means, will Her Majesty's Government take steps to raise this matter in the United Nations?

Mr. Nutting

No, Sir. We prefer to use the existing channels of communication. We do not despair of getting a settlement of this very complicated problem.

Mrs. Castle

How long do Her Majesty's Government intend to see their representations cynically flouted by President Rhee; at what point will their patience evaporate; and when will they be prepared to take this matter where it should be taken, to the United Nations?

Mr. Nutting

I have already answered that by Saying that we do not despair of getting an equitable and fair settlement of this complicated and difficult problem.

Mrs. Castle

When?

Mr. Nutting

Naturally, I cannot tell the House when this problem will be settled, but we certainly would prefer to continue to use existing channels at the moment before taking the matter to the United Nations.

Sir H. Williams

Will my hon. Friend consider making representations to the Soviet Government that they should have as much democracy in Moscow as they have in Blackburn?

Mr. Nutting

That is not a matter which falls entirely within my province.

16. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs for what purpose 'Mr. Adams, Chargé d'Affaires in South Korea, attended the recent political trials in Korea; and what is the nature of his report.

Mr. Nutting

Her Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires has attended the recent trials in South Korea which took place in a military court, as an observer, at the invitation of the Government of the Republic of Korea. The reports of Her Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires must be considered for the present as confidential.

Mr. Hughes

As there is so much interest in Korea, ought we not to have these reports published, so that we can judge whether the Government there is democratic or not?

Mr. Nutting

The House has already drawn certain conclusions about the democratic character or otherwise of the Government of South Korea. As to the publication of the reports of Her Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires, this matter lies entirely within the responsibility of Her Majesty's Government and we are not prepared to publish these reports which are confidential.

Mrs. Castle

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, according to the "Sunday Observer" of a week ago, the Chargé d'Affaires declared that these trials were a travesty of justice? Will he confirm whether they were factual reports which he received?

Mr. Nutting

I think that we must be careful in this matter not to intervene in what can be legitimately described as the internal affairs of another State. But I can say that, in my view, the conduct of these trials leaves much to be desired, and Her Majesty's Government are in touch with the other Governments concerned and also with the United Nations. Commission on the matter.

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