§ Q6. Mr. Archerasked the Prime Minister whether, consequent upon the resolution of the United Nations Conference on Human Rights held at Tehran, relating to the Protection of Human Rights in Armed Conflicts, he will take the initiative in proposing to President Johnson and Premier Kosygin a revision of the Geneva Convention to protect civilians detained for political reasons.
§ The Prime MinisterI would prefer to await the study by the United Nations Secretary General, which was called for by the Tehran Conference.
§ Mr. ArcherI thank my right hon. Friend for that Answer. Would he agree in principle that those who resist tyranny with weapons, as in Czechoslovakia, are as deserving of protection as those who bear arms? Since we voted for the resolution, have we not some responsibility for pressing for its implementation?
§ The Prime MinisterI agree with the general proposition outlined by my hon. Friend, although he will know, of course, the extreme difficulties of defining the conditions in which this protection can be given. I think, therefore, we had better wait for the further studies to be made by the Secretary General for which the Conference called.
§ Mr. ThorpeIn view of the terms in the "Fearless" agreement, are we to take it that it is now the doctrine of this Government that persons may be detained for political reasons if it is thought that they are likely to commit offences in future?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir, and, as the right hon. Member is aware, we said that the whole question of future preventive detention would have to be discussed further. We did not discuss it further because we were approaching a very serious breakdown on the main issues which are known to the House. Certainly this is a matter which should be looked after in any agreement.