HC Deb 22 February 1954 vol 524 cc11-2
23. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a further statement on the proposed Korean political conference.

The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Anthony Eden)

The right hon. and learned Gentleman will have seen the statement issued on 18th February by the four Foreign Ministers which recorded their agreement to hold a conference in Geneva on 26th April to discuss the questions of Korea and Indo-China.

Mr. Henderson

Can the Foreign Secretary say whether it has been decided at what level this conference will be held?

Mr. Eden

The word we used was "representative," which we thought was a useful word. It certainly does not exclude the presence of the Foreign Secretaries at some parts of the proceedings.

Mr. Langford-Holt

Can the Foreign Secretary say whether it is proposed to hold this conference in public or in private?

Mr. Eden

International conferences have few privileges in these days, but they are still allowed to arrange their own business.

Mr. Henderson

While we on this side of the House express our disappointment at the outcome of the Berlin Conference, may we be allowed to congratulate the Foreign Secretary and his colleagues on the calling of this very important conference on Far Eastern affairs?