§ 2.53 p.m.
§ EARL WINTERTONMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government if they have been requested by the United Nations to make a contribution towards the cost of the United Nations forces in the Congo; and if, in view of the fact that on previous occasions other member States have defaulted in their payments towards the cost of United Nations troops, Her (Majesty's Government will insist before making any payment upon assurances that other member States asked to make contributions will fulfil their Obligations.]
THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (THE EARL OF HOME)My Lords, the method of financing the operations of the United Nations in the Congo is now under discussion at the General Assembly in New York. The costs of these operations will presumably be borne on the regular budget, to which all members contribute on a scale of assessments agreed by the General Assembly. As a signatory of the Charter of the United Nations, Her Majesty's Government are bound to meet their assessed percentage for that part of the costs which is carried on the regular budget. At present the United Kingdom is assessed at 7.78 per cent. of the whole. Other member States are similarly bound.
§ EARL WINTERTONMy Lords, I am obliged to the Foreign Secretary for his reply. May I ask this supplementary question, which I think arises out of the original Question? In view of the fact that in the past a number of nations (many of whom have made very wounding observations about Her Majesty's Government and also about the Government of the United States) have been in default, if a similar situation arises on this issue would my noble friend consider concerting a plan with the United States Government, who are equally concerned in the matter, of bringing the matter vividly to the attention of the United Nations so that some action can be taken? Because I understand that in the past where there has been a default the nations in default have continued to 1130 remain as members and no punitive action of any kind has been taken against them. I am only asking that the matter should be given publicity.
§ LORD HENDERSONMy Lords, before the Foreign Secretary answers that question, is it not the case that the British Government have responsibilities and obligations under the Charter? Should they not fulfil those obligations, whatever other nations do; and is it not a responsibility for the United Nations to see that the defaulting nations pay their subscriptions?
THE EARL OF HOMEYes. my Lords. I do not think our obligation to pay subscriptions to the United Nations is diminished by the failure of others to honour their commitments. On the other hand, Article 19 of the Charter provides a certain procedure whereby, if a member fails to pay its subscription—and there are certain conditions attached to that—then, of course, that member can be deprived of its vote. Up to now this situation has not arisen, either because the members have not fallen so far short on their subscriptions as to justify that treatment or because special provision has been made for them to allow them to retain their vote. I think we should certainly go on sustaining the United Nations' effort in the Congo and pay our share. Should there be, of course, the kind of situation which the noble Earl envisages, then of course the whole finance of the United Nations operation would have to be reconsidered.
§ EARL WINTERTONMy Lords, I am very much obliged to my noble friend. I accept what he said in his original Answer and I do not wish to pursue that point. All I am saying is that, if a similar, situation arises in the future as has arisen in the past, I hope that some energetic action will be taken by Her Majesty's Government, preferably in concert with the United States' Government.
THE EARL OF HOMEMy Lords, I think we shall have to wait and see the outcome of the present discussions in the United Nations Assembly.