§ 44. Mr. A. Hendersonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a further statement on his proposals for a cessation of hostilities in the Formosan Straits.
§ Sir Anthony EdenI made a full statement of the position of Her Majesty's Government to the House on 8th March. Since then there has been an important speech by the Canadian Minister for External Affairs, Mr. Pearson, to the Canadian House of Commons on 24th March. I am making a copy of the relevant portion of the speech available in the Library.
It is clear that the Canadian Government take the same view of the situation as do Her Majesty's Government. I do not think that any further public statement is needed at present to make our own position plain to all concerned.
§ Mr. Fenner BrockwayIn view of the very serious statements that are appearing in responsible American newspapers that China proposes to attack the Matsui Islands and Quemoy during April, and that the American Government have decided to defend those islands, will the right hon. Gentleman take urgent steps to urge a cease-fire both upon China and upon Chiang Kai-shek, through the United States Government?
§ Sir A. EdenI gave the House, on 8th March, a very clear account, which was generally endorsed by the House, of what we had been doing and were seeking to do. We are still persevering in that endeavour. I do not think I should do very much good by saying anything more publicly.