§ 9. Mr. A. Hendersonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, as an alternative to the proposed impartial investigation by the International Committee of the Red Cross into the charge of germ warfare, Her Majesty's Government will propose an investigation 1068 by an impartial body to be appointed by the Government of India.
§ Mr. Selwyn LloydHer Majesty's Government would naturally give the fullest consideration to any proposals for a truly impartial investigation of these allegations. But, in view of the propagandist nature of the allegations, Her Majesty's Government feel it would be unsuitable for them to make any such suggestion to the Government of India, particularly when the Communists have already rejected all offers of impartial investigation.
§ Mr. A. HendersonWould the right hon. and learned Gentleman agree that we ought not to allow the Government of China to make these charges without taking every possible step to secure, or to propose, the setting up of an impartial body for the purpose of making these investigations, and that we ought not to let the matter go by default?
§ Mr. LloydWe have already suggested more than once that these charges should be investigated by an impartial body. Once that is accepted in principle there will be no difficulty in getting an impartial body appointed, but until that has been accepted in principle I do not think it helps to suggest that some other Government should appoint an impartial body.
§ Sir T. MooreIn any case, why should an international body such as the Red Cross, which is widely respected, be superseded by a national body? I cannot follow the point.
§ Mr. Hendersonis not the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that I am not asking for a national body to be appointed but an impartial international body, provided it is accepted by both sides?
§ Mr. LloydAs soon as we receive any indication from the other side that they are prepared to have these matters investigated by an impartial body, we shall certainly act upon it.