HC Deb 29 June 1953 vol 517 cc25-6
51. Mr. A. J. Irvine

asked the Prime Minister why, in view of Mr. Rhee's defiance of the authority of the United Nations, Her Majesty's Government will not consider, in consultation with other member States of the United Nations, withdrawing recognition of the South Korean Government.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

I have been asked to reply. Her Majesty's Government do not consider that the course suggested by the hon. Member is the way to handle the present situation in South Korea.

Mr. Irvine

As the main objective is to ensure that the authority of the United Nations survives as an organisation which has successfully resisted and punished aggression, is it not extremely desirable that any State which flouts the authority of the United Nations should have action taken against it? As the South Korean Government have clearly done that, should not that action be taken in this instance, and is not the withdrawal of recognition the first step to be taken?

Mr. Lloyd

That is an argument which might very well have been used against the Chinese People's Government when their aggression took place in Korea. We did not take that step because we regard recognition as being a matter of fact when a particular Government is in control of a country. It has nothing to do with whether we like it or not.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Would not the most effective measure now be to summon the Assembly of the United Nations to debate the situation? Will the Government consider that unless a truce is agreed on very soon?

Mr. Lloyd

I agree with the right hon. Member that unless arrangements are made within a certain period of time that course will, obviously, have to be taken.

Sir H. Williams

Must we not be careful to remember that the President of a friendly State still has some rights in his own country?

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