§ 40. Mr. Donnellyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what representations were made by the British delegation to the South East Asia Treaty Organisation Conference in Canberra regarding the admission of the People's Republic of China to the United Nations.
§ Mr. DonnellyIs the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that this matter has been under discussion for a very long 26 time, that the Korean war is over now and that the war in Indo-China is over, and will he say in what circumstances and under what conditions the Government are prepared to press for the admission of China to the United Nations?
§ Mr. LloydOur policy remains as it has been stated before. In this matter one has to have regard to the effect upon the United Nations, and the action which the hon. Member contemplates might well have the effect of reducing its present strength.
§ Mr. YoungerAre we to take it from that that it is no longer the view of the Government that the People's Government of China are entitled to be represented? We had thought for many years that that was the view of both sides of the House—both Front Benches.
§ Mr. LloydOur view has certainly not changed, but the hon. Member asked me whether we would press our view upon the United Nations. The right hon. Gentleman knows as well as I do what the consequences of that action might be.
§ Mr. YoungerIn view of the fact that the American Secretary of State—apparently, according to newspaper reports—made a very strong statement about the American point of view, are we to understand that the British point of view was allowed to go by default?
§ Mr. DonnellyIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.