HC Deb 22 January 1968 vol 757 cc5-6W
47. Mr. Alexander W. Lyon

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement on progress towards the normalisation of diplomatic relations with China.

Mr. George Brown

Since my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Southampton, Test (Mr. R. C. Mitchell) on 20th November, there has been some improvement in the situation of our Mission in Peking but unhappily much less than I would have liked. Exit visas have been granted to a First Secretary, and his wife (both of whom were ill) and their family; and the additional movement restrictions placed on members of our Mission have been relaxed following a relaxation of restrictions on the Chinese Mission in London. The situation nevertheless remains highly unsatisfactory. For instance, several members of the Mission and their families wish to leave China for health and other reasons but despite repeated requests exist visas are still being withheld. I shall of course continue to do everything possible to achieve an improvement.—[Vol. 754, c. 223.]

50. Mr. W. Teeling

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that certain Commonwealth nations recognise and trade with the Chinese National Government; what criteria Her Majesty's Government require for a recognition of the Government in Formosa; and if he will accord recognition in order to obtain the trade benefits involved.

Mr. William Rodgers

We are well aware that some members of the Commonwealth differ from us in recognising the Nationalist authorities in Taiwan who claim to represent China. We do not accept this claim and there can therefore be no question of granting recognition to the Nationalist authorities. But in the same way as some Commonwealth countries nonetheless trade successfully with mainland China, this country trades with Taiwan.

64. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps he has taken during the last six months to achieve friendly relations with the Chinese Republic and to get a seat for China in the Councils of the United Nations.

Mr. William Rodgers

My hon. and learned Friend will be aware of Chinese actions against members of the British Mission and other British subjects in China during the last six months. Despite this disgraceful behaviour, we have continued to make it clear to the Chinese that we wish to return to normal working relations as quickly as possible. We have also continued to press for the seating of China in the United Nations. As hon. Members will know, the British representative voted accordingly but the Resolution was defeated in the General Assembly of the United Nations. Meanwhile we are awaiting some indication that the Chinese are also prepared to work to improve their relations with us.