§ 53. Mr. Warbeyasked the Lord Privy Seal whether, in view of the current disturbed situation in the Straits of Taiwan, he will renew the declaration of Her Majesty's Government in 1955 that the off-shore islands of Quemoy and the Matsus undoubtedly form part of the territory of the People's Republic of China.
§ Mr. P. ThomasOn 4th February, 1955, my noble Friend Lord Avon told the House that
The Nationalist-held islands in close proximity to the coast of China are in a different category from Formosa and the Pescadores, since they undoubtedly form part of the territory of the People's Republic of China.But he added:
Any attempt by the Government of the People's Republic of China, however, to assert its authority over these islands by force would, in the circumstances at present peculiar to the case, give rise to a situation endangering peace and security, which is properly a matter of international concern.This remains the view of Her Majesty's Government.