§ 33. Mr. S. O. Daviesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to make a statement on the Report of the United Nations Korean Reconstruction Agency that thousands of people in South Korea will probably starve or freeze to death this winter; why such a situation has been allowed to develop having regard to the fact that South Korea has been in the hands of the United Nations for 2½ years; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy this matter.
§ Mr. EdenThe document quoted is a private report made to and not by the Agent General for Korean reconstruction. I understand from inquiries I have made that the report is not justified. The United Nations Command which is responsible for relief has done everything 870 possible to relieve distress, with conspicuous success despite very great difficulties.
§ Mr. DaviesIs the right hon. Gentleman really aware of the frightful conditions under which millions of South Koreans are living today? Will he take a personal interest in this matter? Has he not got sufficient information up to now to persuade him that the Koreans, both north and south, have had more than enough of "liberation" up to date?
§ Mr. EdenAs I say, great efforts have been made by the United Nations Command; I have seen the report, but the prime responsibility for this distress must lie on those who began the aggression.