§ 2. Mr. Newensasked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make a statement on British relations with the Republic of Korea.
§ The Lord Privy Seal (Sir Ian Gilmour)Relations between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Korea have traditionally been close and friendly. I hope that these relations will continue to develop in the same close and friendly manner.
§ Mr. NewensWill the right hon. Gentleman make it clear to the Korean authorities that the execution of Mr. Kim Dae Jung, the leader of the Korean Opposition, and 247 the implementation of sentences on other Korean dissidents after gross trial irregularities would be regarded as an outrage in Britain and that such an action would severely damage British relations with Korea?
§ Sir Ian GilmourI think that I have told the House before that we have several times told the Korean Government of our concern. The Korean Supreme Court will be considering the appeal in the near future. We are discussing with our partners in the Nine what further action might be appropriate if the sentence is upheld. We understand that the final decision in that event will rest with the president.
§ Mr. RowlandsIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that even Japan has threatened to break off economic cooperation agreements with Korea if the execution goes ahead? There is a letter in The Times today from the British Council of Churches which suggests that the Koreans are preparing public opinion by faking mass demonstrations for such an execution. What specifically will the Government tell the Korean authorities will happen to British-Korean relations of they carry on with the execution?
§ Sir Ian GilmourI am aware of what the Japanese Government have said. As I have tried to explain to the House before, I do not think that any further statement of intention by the Government at this time would be helpful. As I said to the hon. Member for Harlow (Mr. Newens), we are considering with the Nine what further action can be taken. We have made our views plain to the Korean Government.