HC Deb 20 July 1953 vol 518 cc21-2
26. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what evidence was given to the North Atlantic Council in December, 1952, or subsequently, indicating that Chinese Communist troops are fighting in Indo-China and that military supplies are being sent from Communist China to the Viet-Minh forces.

Mr. Nutting

None, Sir, though Her Majesty's Government are informed that aid has been given by the Chinese Communists to the Viet-Minh rebels in Indo-China in the form of war materials and supplies, transport and training facilities and technical advisers. So far as Her Majesty's Government are aware, no Chinese troops are fighting in Indo-China.

Mr. Henderson

Have not the French Government made a very great contribution to the solution of this problem by their offer to negotiate total independence for the Associated States? Would not the Minister agree that many of those who are supporting Viet-Minh are animated as much by nationalist feelings as by Communist beliefs?

Mr. Nutting

I think there is a great deal in what the right hon. and learned Gentleman said. He will have noticed that the Washington communiqué of the three Foreign Ministers noted the French proposals, which were made recently, and welcomed them.