HC Deb 14 November 1956 vol 560 cc946-7
38. Mr. Teeling

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Her Majesty's Government intend to recognise the new Hungarian Government, either de jure or de facto; and whether Her Majesty's Government intend to recognise the authority of the new Hungarian representatives to vote at the United Nations organisation.

Mr. Dodds-Parker

On 8th November the Credentials Committee of the Special Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations agreed not to take any decision regarding the credentials of the representatives of Hungary at this time pending further clarification. Her Majesty's Government accept that conclusion and consider that it is too soon to take any decision about the recognition of the new Hungarian Government.

Mr. Teeling

Will my right hon. Friend realise how pleased everybody will be at that statement, and will he also bear in mind that it has taken many years for Red China to be recognised, and that in the United Nations she is even now not recognised? In view of the fact that it is obvious that there is nobody in Hungary who has elected the present Government, would my hon. Friend please take great care that the British Government do not recognise the new Hungarian Government until they are certain of what is happening?

Mr. Dodds-Parker

Yes, Sir. My right hon. and learned Friend considers it premature formally to recognise the new Government at this stage. For that reason, if the Credentials Committee of the General Assembly decides to recognise the credentials of the Hungarian representatives before my right hon. and learned Friend has reached a decision on the question of recognition, Sir Pierson Dixon will abstain from voting on its recommendations.

Mr. Paget

What is the position of the present Hungarian Chargé d'Affaires—I think he is not Ambassador—in London at the moment?

Mr. Dodds-Parker

That has not been decided, and will not be until a decision is taken on the other matter.