Oral Answer: Sir Anthony Eden
Date: January 26, 1955
Subject: The Far East (International Situation)



Mr. Attlee asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any statement to make with regard to the international situation in the Far East.

The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Sir Anthony Eden) Yes, Sir. Her Majesty's Government have been in close and constant touch with the United States Government in recent months concerning the dangerous situation arising out of Chinese Communist attacks upon the islands off the coast of China near the Formosa Straits. We have, also, of course, maintained close contact with the Governments of the Commonwealth and particularly with Her Majesty's Government in New Zealand, which is the other Commonwealth member of the Security Council and its present chairman.

These small islands have been in Chinese Nationalist hands ever since the Japanese surrender in 1945. There had been a lull in attacks upon them between 1949 and 1954, but these were resumed in August last, shortly after the fighting had been ended in Indo-China by the Geneva settlement. The attacks were accompanied by a marked increase in the vehemence of Chinese Communist demands for the transfer of Formosa to the administration of the Chinese Communist Government.

In this situation the first concern of Her Majesty's Government has been, and is, to stop the fighting. We have, therefore, continued to urge on all concerned the importance of doing this and of preventing a wider conflagration. Force is not the solution of these delicate and difficult problems. A settlement can only be arrived at by the peaceful process of patient negotiation.

Her Majesty's Government are convinced that the object of the United States Administration has also been to reduce the risks of any extension of the fighting. Their treaty with General Chiang Kai-shek which defines their commitments was concluded with this object in view.

President Eisenhower, in his recent message to Congress, has been careful to say that he is not suggesting that the United States should enlarge its defensive obligations beyond Formosa and the Pescadores as provided by the Mutual Defence Treaty with General Chiang Kai-shek. The President has again emphasised the purely defensive nature of the arrangements with the Chinese Nationalists.

We in this country respect President Eisenhower and know that he would sanction the use of United States forces only with the greatest reluctance and when, in his view, the circumstances constituted an immediate and serious threat to the security of Formosa and the Pescadores. This is not a new element in United States policy.

On the other hand, Her Majesty's Government also understand that in the matter of the coastal islands the Chinese Government cannot be expected to act in such a way as might seem to prejudice what they regard as their rights. We are, however, convinced that the problem of the coastal islands is susceptible of a peaceful solution if only all concerned are prepared to work for it.

In consultation with the United States and other friendly Governments, Her Majesty's Government are examining various courses of action which might further this aim. I will give the House additional information on this subject as soon as I am in a position to do so, having regard to the international discussions which are now proceeding.

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[ source: HANSARD 1803 - 2005 / Commons Sitting, 26 January 1955   vol 536   cc158-64 ]

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