HC Deb 15 November 1948 vol 458 cc32-3
45. Mr. Warbey

asked the Prime Minister whether the official statement issued by him on 22nd October, 1948, that the association of the United Kingdom with other Western European nations under the Brussels Treaty is a regional association within the terms of the United Nations Charter refers to Chapter VIII of that Charter which deals with regional arrangements.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)

The Brussels Treaty Organisation is, of course, a regional arrangement but, so far as the maintenance of international peace and security is concerned, it rests on Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations which ensures the inherent right of collective self-defence.

Mr. Warbey

Since Article 51 does not form part of Chapter VIII of the Charter, and since it is Chapter VIII which deals specifically with regional arrangements, is it not rather misleading to describe the association as an association within the terms of the Charter?

The Prime Minister

No, I do not think so. I think it is amply covered by Article 51.