HC Deb 12 December 1956 vol 562 cc425-6
29. Mr. Boyd

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what proposals Her Majesty's Government have advocated in the United Nations Assembly or Security Council for helping the Hungarians to free themselves from Soviet domination.

Commander Noble

Her Majesty's Government, together with the United States and French Governments, took the initiative in raising the question of Hungary in the Security Council of the United Nations. When the proposal before the Council was vetoed by the Soviet Union, Her Majesty's Government supported a procedural resolution to refer the matter to the General Assembly. The General Assembly has since passed eight substantive resolutions on Hungary and has three under consideration. These resolutions call upon the Soviet Union to stop intervening in any way in Hungarian affairs, to withdraw its troops, to permit, with the Government of Hungary, United Nations observers to enter the country, to stop deportations and return those who have been deported and to co-operate in relief measures. The United Kingdom representative at the United Nations has supported them all.

Mr. Boyd

Has there been a discussion of the food supply situation in Hungary? Would Her Majesty's Government be willing to put the matter forward in the United Nations Assembly and themselves offer to participate in plans for dropping food supplies in suitable areas where they might be of most help?

Commander Noble

I am answering another Question later on relief to Hungary.

Mr. Fort

Have any of the General Assembly's Resolutions proposed action to enforce the decisions to which it has come?

Commander Noble

I think the Resolutions made it quite clear that the Assembly wished the Secretary-General to go to Hungary; but he has not been allowed to do so.

Mr. S. Silverman

Can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman inform the House whether the Soviet delegate in the debates in the General Assembly which led to these Resolutions offered in defence of his country's action the very same arguments as the Prime Minister offered to the House of Commons in defence of the Government's action in Egypt?

Commander Noble

No, I do not agree with that at all. He offered the remarks that one would expect him to offer.