HC Deb 11 June 1952 vol 502 c202
40. Sir H. Williams

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if a state of war now exists between this country and the Republic of North Korea.

Mr. Eden

The United Kingdom forces in Korea are engaged in action under the United Nations for the resistance of aggression. Her Majesty's Government do not recognise the existence of any Republic of North Korea.

Sir H. Williams

May I congratulate you, Mr. Speaker, on the great improvement in the printing of the Order Paper?

Do I understand that any British subject who engages in conversations of a friendly nature with a citizen of North Korea is not guilty of treason?

Mr. Eden

My hon. Friend asked about a state of war existing between this country and the Republic of North Korea. I have answered him that we are not engaged in a war with the Republic of North Korea because we do not admit that there is such a State.

Sir H. Williams

In those circumstances nobody in this country can be guilty of improper action if he engages in an act of friendship with the people who are engaged in killing our soldiers in North Korea?

Mr. Eden

What we are engaged in is an action of the United Nations forces in lawfully resisting aggression under the United Nations Charter. That is the mandate for what we are doing, and that governs the reply to my hon. Friend's Question.