HC Deb 08 April 1959 vol 603 cc176-8
20. Mr. Brockway

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what representations have been made to the Government of the Chinese People's Republic arising from the disbanding of the Supreme Tibetan Council, in view of the declaration of 6th November, 1950, that British recognition of Chinese suzerainty over Tibet depends on Tibet being regarded as autonomous.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

No representations have yet been made. A number of refugees from Tibet, including notably the Dalai Lama, have recently reached India. I propose to await information from these first-hand witnesses of events before deciding on any particular course of action.

Mr. Brockway

Whilst recognising that the Government have little political power in view of their vote in favour of the exclusion of China from the United Nations, and have still less moral authority after Cyprus, Suez, Malta, Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland, may I ask the right hon. and learned Gentleman if he is aware that many of us are opposed to colonial oppression, whether it is practised by the East or the West, and desire that the autonomy of Tibet should be restored?

Mr. Lloyd

I think the ending of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question was a considerable improvement upon its beginning and I am glad that, as regards the end, for once I agree with him.

Mr. G. Longden

Will not my right hon. and learned Friend agree that one of the many regrettable effects of this flagrant aggression must be the further postponement of the admission of the People's Republic of China to the United Nations?

Mr. Lloyd

I certainly think that action of this kind will give considerably more ammunition to those who have opposed the admission of Communist China upon certain grounds.

Mr. Gaitskell

While desiring to dissociate myself and my hon. Friends from the suggestion made by the hon. Gentleman opposite, may I ask the Foreign Secretary, even though he has not had a full report, if it does not appear that what is taking place in Tibet is a breach of the 1951 agreement made between the Chinese Government and the Government of Tibet? Can he also say anything about the refugee problem, whether it is the case that India is refusing to admit refugees, and whether any representations have been made on this point?

Mr. Lloyd

I should like notice of the supplementary question about refugees. As regards the earlier part of the right hon. Gentleman's supplementary question, I am inclined to agree with him, but I think it better to await information from those who have recently come from Tibet.

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