§ 15. Mr. Brockwayasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how the British delegate to the United Nations voted on the motion relating to Chinese action in Tibet.
§ 26. Mr. Wadeasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why instructions were given to the representative of Her Majesty's Government at the General Assembly of the United Nations to abstain on the vote on the resolution expressing grave concern over the events in Tibet and respect for the fundamental rights of the Tibetan people and for their distinctive cultural and religious life.
§ The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. John Profumo)The United Kingdom representative at the United Nations abstained on the resolution on the question of Tibet. But I should like to make it clear that our abstention in no way implied any diminution in our sympathy with the Tibetan people or in our feelings about recent events in Tibet. Speaking in the general debate in the Assembly on 17th September, my right hon. and learned Friend said that we had been greatly grieved to hear accounts of the massive repression by Communist China, of the suppression of national liberties and of ruthless assaults upon the historic life of a sturdy and friendly people.
We abstained, however, on legal grounds relating to Article 2 (7) of the Charter. Our view is that it is not right for the General Assembly to pass resolutions about human rights in individual states or territories.
§ Mr. BrockwayWhile no one would wish to exacerbate the relations between India and China at this moment, is the hon. Gentleman aware that many of us desire to see the independence of Tibet realised and the retention of its very distinctive personality?
§ Mr. Profumoindicated assent.
§ Mr. WadeIs it not somewhat inconsistent for the British representative to speak in favour of this subject being raised at the United Nations and then to refrain from voting when it is raised? Secondly, is there not some danger that that kind of action may be regarded as a sign of weakness on the part of Britain?
§ Mr. ProfumoI do not think so. Her Majesty's Government thought that it was right, in view of the grave reports referred to, that the United Nations should be given the opportunity to take cognisance of what has happened in Tibet, and for that reason we voted in favour of the inscription of the item.
§ Mr. LongdenIs my hon. Friend aware that many others besides the two hon. Members who have asked these Questions are very puzzled about this abstention, particularly on a resolution moved by two members of the Commonwealth? Would my hon. Friend consider publishing in the OFFICIAL REPORT, or putting in the Library, a brief statement of the reasons which led his advisers to consider that the affairs of Tibet were essentially a matter of domestic jurisdiction for the People's Republic of China?
§ Mr. ProfumoI will certainly consider what my hon. Friend has said.