HC Deb 11 April 1963 vol 675 cc1477-8
Q13. Mr. P. Noel-Baker

asked the Prime Minister what representations he has made to President Kennedy with a view to joint action by Her Majesty's Government and the Government of the United States to restrain Marshal Chiang Kai-shek from sending Kuomintang agents to Hong Kong to carry out sabotage on the territory of mainland China.

The Prime Minister

I would refer the right hon. Gentleman to the reply which I gave him on the 14th of February.

Mr. Noel-Baker

The Prime Minister then promised that he would consider taking the action which I proposed. Is he aware that the so-called Government of Formosa is now reported to be planning much larger-scale military operations against the mainland of China this summer, and that this sabotage work only results in indiscriminate murder and strengthening the supports of the Chinese people for the Government of Sinkiang? Will he represent to President Kennedy that Hong Kong should no longer be used for this purpose?

The Prime Minister

I do not think there is any difference between us. We have, of course, no diplomatic relations with the Chinese Nationalist authorities in Formosa, We have, however, made strong objections to the activities of the Kuomintang agents in Hong Kong, which are known to the Chinese Nationalists there, through all the channels which are open to us.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Will the Prime Minister recognise that it is in the power of President Kennedy to stop this if he wants to, for the Government of Formosa entirely depends on the Government in Washington and it is intolerable that territories under British rule should be used for such a purpose?

The Prime Minister

Yes, Sir. But I think it is perhaps possible to overestimate the real control which the Americans have. We are bringing every pressure upon them. to try to do exactly what the right hon. Member desires to be done.

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