§ 43. Mr. Benceasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what further steps he has recently proposed to the Commonwealth representatives for ending the war in Korea.
§ Mr. EdenNone, Sir. We still think the Indian proposals for solving the prisoner-of-war question offer a fair and honourable basis for an armistice.
§ Mr. BenceIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is great disquiet in this country that some unfortunate unilateral action may transform the Korean conflict into a general war against China? Since we are not members of the Pacific Pact, may we assume that if that unilateral action results in a general war against China we shall be compelled to withdraw our troops from Korea?
§ Mr. EdenThe hon. Gentleman is going rather wide of his Question, which simply asks about the terms of the armistice. In our view the Indian proposals are the best terms on which an armistice can be reached. That is our opinion and it will be our opinion when the United Nations meet again.
§ Mr. ChetwyndCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Indian Government are taking the initiative again on that very point?