HC Deb 21 October 1953 vol 518 cc265-6W
81. Mr. Swingler

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action has been taken by British representatives at the United Nations Assembly since the signature of the Korean armistice agreement to secure the entry of the Chinese People's Government into the United Nations; and what further steps he will now take.

Mr. Nutting

As hon. Members will recall from the Chancellor's statement on 30th July, Her Majesty's Government believe that the Central People's Government should represent China in the United Nations but that, for reasons which have been frequently explained to the House, consideration of this question should be postponed. He expressed the Government's hope, however, that the day for settling this problem would have been brought nearer by the armistice in Korea. That is still our position.

On 15th September the United Nations Assembly adopted by a large majority a proposal made by the United Kingdom and United States delegates that consideration of the question should be postponed for the duration of the Assembly session in the current year. There was no formal agreement to this effect between the two Governments.