HC Deb 04 May 1955 vol 540 cc132-3W
71. Mr. Teeling

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will give an assurance that in any discussions concerning the future of Formosa arising from the offer made by Chou En-lai at the Bandung Conference, he will take steps to prevent such an offer from being used as a manoeuvre to split this country and the United States of America; and that he will as far as possible work with the United States of America and the United Nations to ensure that Formosa's independence will not be endangered.

Lord John Hope

My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister made plain in his statement to the House on 8th March, 1955, Her Majesty's Government's attitude on the future status of Formosa. In all the problems of the Far East we are working in close consultation with the United States and the Commonwealth, and my right hon. Friend does not share my hon. Friend's apprehensions.

73. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement on the discussions which have been taking place in Peking between Her Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires and Mr. Chou En-lai on the problems of Formosa and the off-shore islands.

Lord John Hope

Her Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires has already requested an interview, but has not yet been informed when it will be convenient for Mr. Chou En-lai to receive him.

79. Mr. G. M. Thomson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the Far Eastern situation in relation to Formosa in view of the threat to world peace.

Lord John Hope

I have nothing to add to what my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister told the right hon. and learned Member for Rowley Regis and Tipton (Mr, A. Henderson) on Thursday last week, and to what he said in the course of the National Service debate the same day; and to the statements made to the House on 25th and 27th of April by my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary.