HC Deb 30 June 1952 vol 503 cc26-7
41. Mr. Swingler

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will seek an assurance from the United States Government that no military operations outside the borders of Korea will be undertaken by the United Nations Command without prior consultation with Her Majesty's Government and other members of the Security Council.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

The United States Government are already aware of Her Majesty's Government's view that no operations beyond Korea should be undertaken without prior consultation with them. I cannot, of course, speak for other Governments contributing Forces in Korea.

Mr. Swingler

Has the Minister not seen a statement made by an American Minister last week to the effect that in an emergency the United Nations Commander in Korea would take action to bomb territories outside Korea without consulting other members of the Security Council? Is he aware that many people in this country are thoroughly alarmed by the statement made by Mr. Lovett last week, and will he get into touch with the United States Government and inform them of the views of this country on this matter?

Mr. Lloyd

The attitude of Her Majesty's Government is that they certainly hope that this prior consultation will take place, and we have expressed that view. With regard to the contingency of urgent military necessity, our position is precisely the same as that of the Government who preceded us.