HC Deb 21 November 1957 vol 578 cc556-7
40. Mr. Donnelly

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what steps he is taking to resolve the difficulties in British-Indian relations arising out of the difference of view regarding the Kashmir situation.

Mr. Alport

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to his Question on 21st March. Her Majesty's Government remain anxious to play their full part in securing a just solution to this difficult problem. To this end, we have joined the United States, Australia, Colombia and the Philippines in sponsoring a resolution which was tabled in the Security Council on 16th November and which is still under consideration there. The resolution is designed both to reduce tension in the sub-continent and to further the process of negotiation between the parties, through the agency of the United Nations, on the specific issues raised in its earlier resolutions.

Mr. Donnelly

Is the hon. Member aware that the resolution of the United Nations is likely to mean very little except to incur the maximum of feeling and the minimum of effect? Why is it so necessary for Her Majesty's Government to take a specific view about this difficult problem when they are so careful to avoid taking any view when any other Commonwealth country is involved and whenever South African affairs are before the United Nations?

Mr. Alport

I cannot accept the hon. Gentleman's point as to the nature of the resolution, which was sponsored by the United States, ourselves and other members of the Security Council. I would only add that a proposal is not bad simply because it does not please both sides.

Mr. Donnelly

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment.