§ 33. Commander Courtneyasked the Lord Privy Seal to what extent it is now the policy of Her Majesty's Government 389 to take such steps as may be practicable with a view to facilitating Chinese membership of the United Nations.
§ Mr. HeathI have nothing to add to what my hon. Friend told the House on this subject during the debate on 12th December.
§ Commander CourtneyIs my right hon. Friend aware that on 28th January the Japanese Prime Minister stated in a public speech that Great Britain was against the entry of China into the United Nations? Will he take steps to correct this obviously erroneous impression?
§ Mr. HeathI have not yet seen the full content of that speech. When I do, I will certainly see what action should be taken about it. Our own position was stated quite clearly in the speech to which I referred.
§ Mr. P. Noel-BakerWill the Minister make it plain that, under the Charter, China is a member of the United Nations and that the question which arises is that of according to her the seat in the United Nations which is legally hers?
§ Mr. C. OsborneWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind that while the Communist Government in China is undoubtedly anxious to get its rightful seat in the United Nations, what it really requires above that is food, oil and the credits to buy them? Will he do his best to see whether we can help in this way rather than by trying to push at the United Nations?
§ Mr. HeathAs the House knows, the Government of the Republic of China is taking considerable action in world markets, but it has made no direct approach to us in this matter. Of course, if it did so we should consider the matter.
§ Mr. P. Noel-BakerDid the right hon. Gentleman's last reply to me mean that he was really seriously suggesting that Formosa represents China?
§ Mr. HeathThe plain fact is that the Government in Formosa at present occupies the seat at the United Nations. On the other hand, the Government of Peking claims the seat and, therefore, it is a question of which authority should occupy the seat. That makes no judgment as to which one should.
§ Sir P. AgnewFurther to the reply he has already given, would my right hon. Friend bear in mind that if the People's Government of China is to be given a seat in the United Nations, recognition should not be withdrawn from the Government of China which occupies and rules over the island of Formosa, but that they should be given simultaneous recognition?
§ Mr. HeathMy hon. Friend has pointed out one of the difficulties of the situation. I should make clear to the right hon. Member for Derby, South (Mr. P. Noel-Baker) that our position was clearly stated in the speech of my hon. Friend in which, briefly, he said that we have extended recognition to the Peking Government and therefore, prima facie, one would expect that Government to be in the United Nations.