HC Deb 09 July 1953 vol 517 c1487
48. Sir R. Acland

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make a further statement on the possibilities of a truce in Korea.

Mr. R. A. Butler

On 8th July, the Chinese and North Korean Commanders sent a letter to General Mark Clark agreeing to his proposal for a further meeting of the armistice delegations. According to news agency reports just received, the liaison officers of the two sides have arranged for this meeting to take place tomorrow, 10th July. Her Majesty's Government are glad that General Clark's suggestion has been accepted by the other side, and that direct contact between the armistice delegations is to be resumed.

On the negotiations between President Syngman Rhee and Mr. Robertson, I have nothing to add to what I said on Monday.

Sir R. Acland

Does not the Chancellor feel that, now that Senators Knowland and McCarthy are openly backing President Syngman Rhee's intransigence, we are reaching a position in which the voice of Britain will have to be heard, and that we shall have to say that we cannot for ever be associated with a war carried on for no other purpose than to back up Syngman Rhee's aggressive intent?

Mr. Butler

All these serious aspects are realised on both sides of the Atlantic. Meanwhile, I think the House will be pleased to hear that direct contact will be resumed tomorrow.