HC Deb 25 June 1953 vol 516 cc2098-9
47. Mr. Donnelly

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make a further statement on the Korean truce talks.

50. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make a further statement on the progress of the armistice talks at Panmunjom.

51. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Prime Minister if he will make a further statement in respect of the Korean situation; how far British or Commonwealth forces were, or are, involved in connection with the outbreak of prisoners of war; and what further representations Her Majesty's Government have made to the United Nations in respect of the action of Mr. Syngman Rhee and the South Korean Government.

Mr. Crookshank

There have been no new developments to report from Panmunjom. The House will have seen in the Press the contents of a letter which the President of the General Assembly, Mr. Lester Pearson, has addressed to President Syngman Rhee. Her Majesty's Government welcome this timely initiative and agree with the views expressed in it.

On the other points raised by the hon. Member for Leyton (Mr. Sorensen), my right hon. Friend has nothing to add to the replies he gave to the House on Monday, except to say that no British or Commonwealth forces, so far as he is aware, have been involved in connection with the escapes of prisoners of war.

Mr. Henderson

May I ask whether the attention of the right hon. Gentleman has been drawn to the statement this morning of General Clark, the Supreme Commander of the United Nations Forces, that the ultimate objective of the United Nations will remain an honourable armistice and a peaceful unification of Korea? May I ask whether, in spite of the differences which have arisen in Korea, that still represents the policy of Her Majesty's Government?

Mr. Crookshank

I have not General Clark's statement before me, but if the gist of it is as the right hon. and learned Gentleman says, that the objectives are still an honourable armistice and a peaceful unification of Korea, the answer is emphatically in the affirmative.

Mr. Donnelly

Has the right hon. Gentleman received any answer to the Diplomatic Note sent to the Government of South Korea?

Mr. Crookshank

I must have notice of that question.

Mr. Sorensen

In view of the fact that this concerns everyone and is today bringing about a real revulsion of feeling against President Syngman Rhee, may we have a statement at an early date about what action the United Nations are taking with regard to his defiance of the position?

Mr. Crookshank

No doubt statements will be made as required, but today I have to point out that the President of the General Assembly has addressed a letter to President Syngman Rhee with which Her Majesty's Government agree.