HL Deb 03 May 1971 vol 318 cc9-11

2.53 p.m.

LORD SEGAL

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the admission of Communist China as a Member of the United Nations will qualify her for a permanent seat on the Security Council.]

THE MINISTER OF STATE, SCOTTISH OFFICE (BARONESS TWEEDSMUIR OF BELHELVIE)

My Lords, China is an original member of the United Nations and under the Charter has the right to a permanent seat on the Security Council. The discussions in the United Nations over the years have been about which authorities are entitled to represent China in the United Nations. Her Majesty's Government believe that the Government of the Chinese People's Republic should represent China in all organs of the United Nations, including the Security Council.

LORD SEGAL

My Lords, I thank the noble Baroness for that reply. Since a change in the permanent membership of the Security Council is without precedent in the history of the United Nations, can she say what procedure would be followed for the admission of Communist China and whether it would be automatic or whether any change in the constitution is needed?

BARONESS TWEEDSMUIR OF BSELHELVIE

No, my Lords, it would not be automatic because, as the noble Lord will know, the question is at present before the General Assembly and until that is decided the Security Council is not going to take it up.

LORD BROCKWAY

My Lords, am I to understand that membership of the Communist Republic of China would mean that representation by Taiwan would cease? Is it not therefore desirable that consideration should be given to the future representation of Taiwan? Further, have Her Majesty's Government yet considered the proposal I made that there should be a period after which a referendum might be held in Taiwan as to whether it wishes to be an independent member of the United Nations?

BARONESS TWEEDSMUIR OF BELHELVIE

My Lords, I am sure that my right honourable friend will take note of the noble Lord's Question. Since 1961 we have voted consistently for the admission of the Chinese People's Republic of China, and that would automatically mean the expulsion of the National representatives. That is what we have voted for: but at the moment the question is only before the General Assembly.

LORD SEGAL

My Lords, can the noble Baroness say whether the admission of Communist China is likely to strengthen rather than weaken the power of the Security Council to take any effective action?

BARONESS TWEEDSMUIR OF BELHELVIE

My Lords, I do not think I could comment upon that, but I think that most people agree on the necessity for so large a country having representation at the United Nations.

LORD AILWYN

My Lords, may I ask the noble Baroness and the Government, whatever arrangements are made on the possible changeover in the Chinese representation, never to forget the outstanding work and help given to this country by Generalissimo Chiang Kaishek and his forces, and the indication we gave to them that they would have to continue their work until we had finished with the Germans, when we would come immediately to their assistance?

BARONESS TWEEDSMUIR OF BELHELVIE

My Lords, I am sure that that Question will be borne in mind by my right honourable friend, but the question of the sovereignty of Taiwan is an undetermined question.

LORD CONESFORD

My Lords, can the Minister say whether the Peking Government has at any time expressed approval of the purposes of the United Nations?

BARONESS TWEEDSMUIR OF BELHELVIE

Not to my knowledge, my Lords.