§ 47. Mrs. Castleasked the Prime Minister if he will refer to the Security Council of the United Nations the decision of the United States Government to support the Chinese Nationalists with armed force in their refusal to evacuate Quemoy and Matsu, as a threat to world peace.
§ The Prime MinisterI am not aware that the United States Government have announced any such decision.
§ Mrs. CastleIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Chinese Nationalists are claiming that this is the view of the United States Government—[Hon. Members: "No."]—and that it has not been repudiated by the United States Government? Does he not think that ambiguity in this matter is extremely serious, particularly as the Chinese Nationalists are being allowed to remain in Quemoy and Matsu, not to defend Formosa, but merely in order to maintain their morale in their determination to attack the mainland by force? [HON. MEMBERS: "Speech."] As the whole situation is impregnated with danger to peace in that area, will the right hon. Gentleman at least get an assurance—[Hon. Members: "Speech."] I cannot be quicker Mr. Speaker, because I cannot make myself heard. I know that hon. Members opposite do not want this to be heard because they are afraid of the consequences. Can the right hon. Gentleman get an assurance from the United States Government that it is not their intention to support the Chinese Nationalists in defending Quemoy and Matsu?
§ The Prime MinisterI shall not prolong the discussion after what I think is a really unfair abuse of the rules of Question Time.
§ Mr. FootCan the right hon. Gentleman tell the House whether or not the Foreign Secretary raised this matter with Mr. Dulles at the Bangkok Conference?
§ The Prime MinisterI have not seen the Foreign Secretary since the Bangkok Conference.
§ Mr. SpeakerHon. Members who are urging the hon. Member for Dudley (Mr. Wigg) to speak up are preventing me from hearing what he is saying.
§ Mr. WiggIs it not for you, Mr. Speaker, and not for the Prime Minister to say whether or not the rules of order have been abused?
§ Mr. SpeakerAny hon. Member is entitled to express an opinion about the rules of order. The whole House is the guardian of the rules of order and not only I.