§ 46. Major Petherickasked the Prime Minister whether, considering the fact that the Atlantic Charter has not been ratified by the American Congress and of the apprehension which exists in this and Allied countries, that some of its clauses will gravely hamper the freedom of action of the United Nations in settling terms of peace, he will start negotiations for its amendment?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir.
§ Major PetherickIn view of the fact that the Atlantic Charter has not been ratified by the United States, and perhaps does not fall to be ratified, has it any binding force on the United States or Great Britain in view of the dangers to the peace treaties which may follow the war?
§ The Prime MinisterThe so-called Atlantic Charter, indeed, the well called Atlantic Charter, was not a treaty requiring ratification or any formal endorsement of a constitutional character on the other side of the Atlantic. It was a statement of certain broad views and 190 principles which are our common guide in our forward march.
§ Mr. HannahHas not the Atlantic Charter the good will of the world?
§ Mr. SorensenMay we take it that the Governments of the associated countries were associated with the signatories?
§ The Prime MinisterNaturally, I should not take the responsibility for agreeing with the head of a foreign State on a subject like this without being supported by the Cabinet.
§ Major PetherickIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the first two clauses of the Atlantic Charter bind the Allied Powers in a way that may be highly perilous for them when peace falls to be discussed?
§ The Prime MinisterWe have lots of worse troubles than that ahead.