§ 57. Mr. Zilliacusasked the Prime Minister what reply was made to the proposal of the United States of America for the employment of threats of force and the use of force against China in 1953 and 1954; and if, during his forthcoming visit to the United States of America, he will emphasise that the United Kingdom can only remain a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and the South-East Asia Treaty Organisation so long as the other member nations observe the principles of the United Nations Charter, which prohibits resort to force or the threat of force as a means of settling international disputes.
§ The Prime MinisterAs regards 1953, a very full statement was given out on 15th August of that year to which I have nothing to add; as regards 1954, I made the position entirely clear in my speech during the Foreign Affairs debate on 23rd June of that year. The purposes of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and the South-East Asia Treaty Organisation are entirely defensive and like the policies of all their member nations are based upon the principles of the United Nations Charter. The second part of the Question does not therefore arise.
64. Mr. H. Wilsonasked the Prime Minister if, in his discussions with the President of the United States, he will raise the question of the embargo on trade with China; and whether he will 3W propose that restrictions on trade with China be put on the same basis as those on trade with Eastern Europe.
§ The Prime MinisterAs my right hon. Friend, the present Chancellor of the Exchequer, indicated in the House on 30th November the scope of the China lists has been under study in consultation with the United States authorities. As the right hon. Gentleman will understand, I am not prepared in advance of the Washington talks to disclose the items for discussion.