§ 18. Mr. Shinwellasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what information is given to the Chinese Government in Formosa when British vessels are likely to be in the neighbourhood of Formosa in order to ensure their protection from attack.
§ 36. Mr. Parkinasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs with what authorities he is now negotiating to secure the safety of British shipping off the China coast.
§ Mr. H. MacmillanNone, Sir.
§ Mr. ShinwellThen is it not singular that in those waters, where there is a likelihood of attack on British vessels, either by the Chinese National Government situated in Formosa or by the Communist Government of China, that the right hon. Gentleman did not seek a similar agreement to that which he entered into with Egypt?
§ Mr. MacmillanNo, Sir. It is not singular. The conditions are very different. The Formosa Strait is an extensive stretch of water, about a hundred miles wide, and the incidents have been very few—not more than four or five altogether—and, of course, the Government that would be likely to create the interference is one which we do not recognise.
§ Mr. ShinwellAre we to understand that the width of the sea determines the action of the Government?
§ Mr. MacmillanWe are guided by practical considerations—the same reasons which led the Administration of the right hon. Gentleman to make a practical arrangement.
§ Mr. ParkinIs it not much more appropriate in this matter that we should let it be known to our Allies in Washington that we do not recognise in any way the Nationalist Government in Formosa, and that if the Americans choose to use the discredited pirates and bandits under Chiang Kai-shek as part of their mercenary forces, that is their concern, and that we prefer to negotiate these matters directly with the Americans in Washington without attempting to deal with the Chinese in Formosa?