§ 48. Mr. Jannerasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when he intends to ask Parliament to ratify the United Nations Convention on Genocide.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Ernest Davies)The question is still under examination. No decision has yet been reached since there are a great many legal difficulties still to be solved.
§ Mr. JannerIn view of the fact that this is such a terrible crime and that as far back as December, 1946, the United Nations organisation unanimously agreed that there should be a Convention, will my hon. Friend say why he is holding this matter back, whether it is a fact that 43 nations have agreed to the Convention, and what he proposes to do in the matter?
§ Mr. DaviesIt is not true that 43 nations have ratified the Convention. So far, only six ratifications have as yet been received. Legal difficulties which are involved prevent our taking any action as yet.
§ Mr. H. StraussHave His Majesty's Government ever approved this hopelessly illiterate expression "Genocide"?
§ Mr. JannerI may have made a mistake in the wording. The Convention has not been ratified, but accepted, by the 43 nations. Is my hon. Friend aware that there is considerable anxiety throughout the world on this matter and that Australia has actually ratified the Convention?
§ Mr. DaviesThe difference between agreeing to the Convention when it comes before the United Nations and ratification is considerable, and of those nations who agreed to it at Paris only six so far have ratified.
§ Mr. JannerIn view of the very serious nature of the matter which I have raised and the answer which has been given, I propose to raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible opportunity.