HC Deb 01 April 1953 vol 513 cc1188-9
12. Mr. A. J. Irvine

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how far negotiations have proceeded with the People's Government of China, with a view to the raising, on a basis of reciprocity, the status of the diplomatic representatives of the two countries to that of ambassador.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

The discussions with the Chinese Government on the exchange of Ambassadors rest with the reply given by Her Majesty's Charge d'Affaires in Peking on 17th June, 1950, to inquiries from the Chinese.

Mr. Irvine

Will the Minister say whether the Resolution by the United Nations declaring China to be an aggressor is an obstacle to the renewal of the peace negotiations, and if so, will he bear in mind the fact that there is extensive moderate and responsible public opinion in this country which believes that Chinese intervention was provoked by the advance to the Manchurian border of the United Nations forces under General MacArthur?

Mr. Lloyd

The hon. Member's supplementary question has raised a number of controversial matters, into which I will not go, but the position with regard to the diplomatic status of the representatives of the two countries remains as on 17th June, 1950.

13. Mr. Donnelly

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the terms of reference of the British diplomatic mission in Peking.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Blackley (Mr. E. Johnson) on 15th October last.

Mr. Donnelly

Would the right hon. and learned Gentleman repeat that answer?

Hon. Members: Why?