HC Deb 27 April 1953 vol 514 cc1743-4
24. Mr. Donnelly

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to make a statement regarding Sir Gladwyn Jebb's representations at the United Nations about the presence of Chinese Nationalist forces on Burmese territory.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

As the House will now be aware, Sir Gladwyn Jebb made a statement to the First Committee in which he expressed the utmost sympathy for Burma and proposed that these troops should either leave Burma or submit to internment.

I am glad to have this opportunity of expressing the satisfaction of Her Majesty's Government at the constructive attitude adopted by the General Assembly, which has passed unanimously, with only one abstention, a resolution which, I hope, will help to facilitate a settlement of this problem.

Mr. Donnelly

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that Her Majesty's Government's action in this respect is a very welcome initiative indeed? Can he tell us what is to happen to these people now? What is the next step in getting them away from Burma?

Mr. Lloyd

We have played some part in having passed a resolution, which I think is a helpful resolution. I do not think that it would be right for me to anticipate any action which may be taken on that.

Sir H. Williams

Will my right hon. and learned Friend give an assurance that British National Service men will not be sent to Burma to chuck some Chinese out of Burma, as that is the responsibility of the Burmese Government?

Mr. Lloyd

I certainly do not think that that consequence flows from the resolution to which I have referred.

Mr. Harold Davies

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that, despite the statement of Sir Gladwyn Jebb only this week-end, about 350 miles south of the Mawchi mines in Burma another contingent of the Chinese Nationalist troops has opened up an action with rebel Karens some 75 miles from the sea, which seems to indicate that, far from the position being settled, they are apparently trying a drive to the sea to get supplies from Formosa via the sea? Will he be able at some time to investigate this situation to see whether it is as reported?

Mr. Lloyd

Her Majesty's Government always take up the attitude that this is not a desirable situation. We want to have it cleared up, and we think that the United Nations' resolution, passed by 59 countries, provides a basis upon which it may be settled.

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