HC Deb 12 April 1954 vol 526 cc775-6
10. Mr. Russell

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the work of the United Nations Neutral Supervisory Commission in North Korea.

The Minister of State (Mr. Selwyn Lloyd)

The Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission, set up under the Armistice Agreement, is composed of representatives of Switzerland, Sweden, Czechoslovakia and Poland. Its main work is to ensure that the terms of the Armistice Agreement, particularly in respect of the import of military equipment and personnel, have been properly carried out.

I regret to say, however, that in North Korea the Commission and its subordinate teams have been gravely hampered by the attitude of the Communist command and by the behavour of the Czech and Polish members of the Commission.

Mr. Russell

Has my right hon. and learned Friend seen the report in the "Sunday Times" of 28th March, in which it was stated that Communists had been pouring planes, weapons and munitions into North Korea, in complete defiance of the Armistice Commission?

Mr. Lloyd

One of the difficulties with regard to such reports is that investigation facilities are usually denied. It takes a great deal of time to carry out any investigation, and by that time it is not always possible to find out the truth.