CHINA AND THE WEST

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27444, 2 September 1954, Page 11

CHINA AND THE WEST

Labour Group Urges Closer Communion CANTON, August 31. Mr Morgan Phillips, British Labour ftrty secretaij told a press confccnce of British and Chinese cornspcndents in Canton tonight that tte labour mission was "convinced world peace depends upon a closer inmunion between China and the Hat of the world.” The policy of exclusiveness can only •■peril peace,” he added. Mr Phillips was speaking after the arrival of the Labour Party mission by air from Hangchow for the last Mage of their China visit. After a ceremonial banquet given by the Mayor (Mr Ho Wai) tonight they Will go to Hong Kong tomorrow. • Mr Phillips said ideological differences between New China and the Western democracies were great, but not a barrier to peace and co-existence. The Labour delegation was deeply impressed by the efforts of the Chinese people to build a nation on modem lines. “We have seen the great exertions of the people in the face of an inheritance of primitive industrial techniques and the consequences of sOj many centuries of social . A joint interim statement on the visit prepared by the delegation and translated for the Chinese said: “We Sympathise with the efforts the Chinese people are making in this respect. We believe this sympathy and understanding should be shown W . the rest of the world in an immediate and practical form. “Much Misunderstanding” “We were impressed by the fact that , lack of communication has led to much misunderstanding of each other’s position. “We believe there is an earnest desire on the part of spokesmen for revolutionary China to end this Mation. For our part, we reciprocate most heartily.” I According to a London message, I British Labour Party said today that its delegations to foreign States are “to search out the truth about those countries and the economic and social conditions under which their people live.” To understand the way and habits of people is to take the first step towards friendship,” the party said in anew „ picture booklet called It was issued "to coincide with the conclusion of the Labour Party’s goodwill mission to Russia and China.” The friendship of nations—the sure toad to a peaceful world—is always Wpermost in the minds of Labour’s ■tsmen, whether in the Government Opposition,” it said. • The Socialist conception of society ■ that of a world in which enslavement is unknown, a world in which ■be free development of the individual Personality is the surest basis for true progress of mankind,” it :