§ 45. Mr. Doddsasked the Prime Minister if he will call for an immediate conference of all United Nations taking part in the war in Korea to discuss the present position.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Winston Churchill)No, Sir. There is a constant exchange of views between the Governments whose forces are taking part in the United Nations action in Korea and formal conference does not seem necessary.
§ Mr. DoddsWill the Prime Minister state how much longer we are to stand meekly on the side line while American chiefs could decide our fate? Is it not the case that mismanagement of the truce talks could result in this country being drawn into the third world war? Is it not obvious by now that this country and other countries should be represented at those talks?
§ The Prime MinisterAll those arrangements were made by the late Government—and anyhow I do not think Question time is appropriate for discussing these matters.
§ Mr. ShinwellIn view of the fact that the Prime Minister will no doubt agree that the armistice talks have been unduly prolonged—whoever is to blame—and that it is obvious that the military commanders on the spot are quite incapable of coming to a satisfactory conclusion, would it not be wise to transfer the discussion to diplomatic channels and that a conference of the kind suggested might be well worth considering?
§ The Prime MinisterI have nothing to add to the answer I have given.
§ Mr. DoddsOwing to the unsatisfactory nature of the statement that the Prime Minister has made, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.