§ 4. Mr. Kingasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the fact that the U.S.S.R. has now exercised its veto in the Security Council of U.N.O. for the eleventh time, he will urge amendments to its constitution.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Mayhew)I share my hon. Friend's regret that the Soviet representative should have seen fit to exercise his right of veto on the occasion in question and thereby prevented the Security Council from taking action of which nine of the 11 States represented on the Council approved to bring about a settlement of the present dangerous situation on the Greek Frontier.
His Majesty's Government have frequently made it clear that in their view the use of the right of veto in this manner tends to nullify the usefulness of the Security Council, and I can assure my hon. Friend that they will continue to work to restore the original intention of the Authors of the Charter in this matter.
§ Mr. KingWould my hon. Friend agree that the only real hope for the peace of the world lies in the merging or diminution of national sovereignty, and will he urge that on every practicable occasion?
§ Mr. MayhewYes, Sir. I think the solution to this veto problem, as with other things, depends on greater international understanding.
§ Squadron-Leader FlemingHas the Foreign Secretary ever suggested any amendment on the lines suggested in this Question?
§ Mr. MayhewNo, Sir.
§ Sir Waldron SmithersCan the hon. Gentleman state how it is possible to play lawn tennis with a man who will not send the ball back?
§ Mr. Wilson HarrisIs it not the case that an amendment to the constitution sent to all the permanent members of the Council, including the U.S.S.R., is required?
§ Mr. MayhewYes, Sir.
§ Mr. Wilson HarrisAre we not therefore somewhat stymied?