§ 3.5 p.m.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, in the light of recent inter-governmental discussions, they will now take the initiative for the ending of the embargo on trade with China.]
THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (THE EARL OF GOSFORD)My Lords, as your Lordships are aware, the question of the China trade controls was discussed at Bermuda—I am assuming, of course, that the noble Viscount is referring to those particular discussions—but I am not yet in a position to make any statement on the outcome.
VISCOUNT ELIBANKMy Lords, I beg to thank the noble Earl for his Answer. May I ask whether Her Majesty's Government will take the initiative by taking steps to secure the acquiescence of our Allies in such procedure as would bring the embargo to an end? May I also ask him whether Her Majesty's Government are aware that, if they will take such steps, it is highly probable that they will have the support of the majority of our Allies in ending an embargo which was imposed six years ago in relation to the hostilities in Korea?
THE EARL OF GOSFORDMy Lords, I think I can only tell the noble Viscount that Her Majesty's Government acquainted the United States Government with their views on the situation and those views are now being studied by the United States Government.
VISCOUNT ELIBANKYes, but may I ask the noble Earl whether, in addition 862 to approaching the United States Government, Her Majesty's Government will approach the other Governments among our Allies on this matter?
THE EARL OF GOSFORDI think we had better await the outcome of the present talks before going further afield.
LORD WINDLESHAMMy Lords, would the noble Earl say whether there is any difference between the situation now and the situation when a precisely similar reply was given to Sir Anthony Eden by the President, not so long ago, that the whole question of the embargo was in abeyance and was being looked into? Now we have exactly the same reply given again. As my noble friend pointed out, it is a question of our other Allies. It is not merely a matter between ourselves and the United States; it is a world problem, of vital importance at this moment, and many of us would like an assurance that the Government are treating it with the importance which, in our view, it deserves.
THE EARL OF GOSFORDMy Lords, I think I can assure the noble Lord that the Government are treating this subject certainly with the importance which it deserves. We are fully cognisant of the problems involved, both to our Allies and, in particular, to ourselves. As regards the answer given previously, I think it is possible that, as a result of these talks, the climate is somewhat different. There is no doubt that we have now acquainted the United States Government with our views on the matter, and they have promised to give sympathetic consideration to what we have said. I cannot possibly say more.