11 and 12. Mr. H. Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) what discussions he has had with the other Governments concerned since July, 1954, with a view to ending the United Nations decision of 18th May, 1951, about trade with China;
(2) if he will now take the initiative in proposing that the resolution of the United Nations of 18th May, 1951, relating to trade with China be now rescinded.
§ The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Harold Macmillan)The situation in the Far East has not yet justified our taking up the question of making any changes in the security controls on trade with China.
Mr. WilsonIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that this boycott was placed on trade with China on 18th May, 1951, because of China's intervention in Korea, and that that intervention has been over for two years? Is he also aware that last year we were told that the boycott was now due to Chinese intervention in Indo-China? Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that British commercial interests are being seriously prejudiced by illegitimate international pressures in this connection?
§ Mr. MacmillanThis was a Resolution of the Assembly, and it can be rescinded only by the Assembly.
Mr. WilsonYes, but is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the second of my Questions I asked him if he would now take the initiative in proposing to the Assembly that this now quite obsolete boycott should be rescinded?
§ Mr. MacmillanThis is one of the many difficult problems in the Far East, and we shall have to use a certain amount of patience and try to treat them as a whole.