§ 21. Mr. Sorensenasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the need of encouraging respect for and acceptance of international law and the modification of national sovereignty to that end, His Majesty's Government will take early steps to intimate to our existing military allies, and to other Powers, that they are willing to consider means by which this principle can be implemented; whether he will explore the possibility of a preliminary acceptance of the principle among 901 democratic Powers; and whether he will approach the Governments of other powers to secure their co-operation for this purpose?
§ Mr. ButlerHis Majesty's Government are fully aware of the need for encouraging respect for, and the acceptance of, international law, and their views on this subject are widely known, not only in this country, but to all foreign Governments. As regards the measures suggested by the hon. Member, the present does not appear to be a favourable moment for His Majesty's Government to take the initiative,
§ Mr. SorensenCould the right hon. Gentleman state the attitude of His Majesty's Government on this matter of modification of national sovereignty, in view of the fact that national sovereignty is one of the factors that may lead either to war or to peace?
§ Mr. ButlerThat is one of the aspects of international law to which His Majesty's Government attach the greatest importance. It would take longer than the time I have available at present to outline in full the attitude of His Majesty's Government on the matter.
§ Mr. SorensenAre we to assume that His Majesty's Government already have accepted some modification by virtue of their loyalty to the League of Nations?
§ Mr. ButlerI should like to write a treatise on that.