HC Deb 26 October 1953 vol 518 cc2410-1
7. Mr. T. Reid

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if the Chinese Government has yet accepted responsibility for firing on a Royal Navy motor launch near Hong Kong and paid compensation in respect of those killed.

Mr. Eden

No, Sir. The Chinese Government have not yet accepted responsibility or paid compensation. A strong protest was delivered to the Chinese Government on 12th September. The Chinese Government replied on 29th September falsely alleging that the British naval launch was to blame for the incident. A further note was delivered on 16th October rejecting the Chinese allegations, reasserting Her Majesty's Government's protest and demanding a sum in compensation. No reply has yet been received to this further note.

Mr. Reid

Is there any use whatever in appealing to any part of U.N.O. or the International Court, or is that a useless procedure in this case?

Mr. Eden

I would rather, at this stage, deal directly with the Chinese Government about this and see how they treat this further Note of ours. I should like then to consider the other suggestions made by the hon. Gentleman.

Sir H. Williams

Could my right hon. Friend say whether the Chinese Government have yet recognised us?

Mr. Eden

We are in discussion about that, but we should like to be recognised in a satisfactory manner.