HC Deb 04 February 1953 vol 510 cc1830-1
29. Mr. Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to state the attitude of Her Majesty's Government towards a resumption of the truce talks at Panmunjom, in view of the disclosures made in a recent United Nations intelligence survey revealing that the Communist military negotiators were directly responsible for instigating rebellion within prisoner-of-war camps under United Nations command.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

The attitude of Her Majesty's Government towards a resumption of the truce talks at Panmunjom remains unchanged.

Mr. Hamilton

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that according to this survey two of the Communist generals who were representatives on the Communist side in Panmunjom were accused of instigating the rebellions within the prisoner-of-war camps? Would the Minister undertake to make copies of this circular available in one form or another to Members of this House? Does he not think it folly to pretend to negotiate with people who are instigating rebellions in prisoner-of-war camps under United Nations command?

Mr. Lloyd

Of course the negotiators are really the spokesmen of their Governments, and I am not sure that we should be deterred from negotiations by their personal records. With regard to the question of the survey, I have not seen a full copy of the survey myself, but I will bear in mind what the hon. Member says.