HL Deb 03 February 1953 vol 180 cc161-2

4.19 p.m.

THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (THE MARQUESS OF READING)

My Lords, I apologise for intervening in the debate but, with the leave of your Lordships, I desire to make a statement on Formosa. The President of the United States announced yesterday, in a State of the Union message, that the United States 7th Fleet, which has been enforcing the neutralisation of Formosa since the outbreak of the Korean war, would no longer be employed to prevent Chinese Nationalist attacks against the mainland of China. Her Majesty's Government were informed in advance by the United States Government, and at once made known their concern at this decision, which, they feared, would have unfortunate political repercussions without compensating military advantages. This continues to be the view of Her Majesty's Government.

It is important, however, to keep this matter in its correct proportion and perspective. The neutralisation of Formosa was a unilateral act of policy, with which Her Majesty's Government were not associated. It was made before Chinese intervention in the Korean war. President Eisenhower has now decided that, in his own words, there is no longer any logic or sense in a condition that required the United States Navy to assume defensive responsibilities on behalf of the Chinese Communists. He has therefore issued instructions that the 7th Fleet no longer be employed to shield Communist China. Mr. Eisenhower went on to say: This order implies no aggressive intent on our part. The step announced is, in consequence, a unilateral decision by the new United States Administration to amend a unilateral decision taken by their predecessors.

EARL JOWITT

My Lords, this is a very important matter, and I am anxious not to say anything which is in the least degree embarrassing, but I should like to ask this question. In view of the possible grave repercussions, are the Government assured that this country will be consulted before any important steps are taken?

THE MARQUESS OF READING

My Lords, as the noble and learned Earl may know, we have made representations asking for consultation. I think the noble Earl knows equally that to-day the new United States Secretary of State arrives here for consultations. Perhaps at this stage I may leave it at that.