§ 25. Mr. Russellasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why His Majesty's Government has changed its policy towards the United Nations special committee on non-self-governing territories.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsOur representative made it clear at the recent session of this committee that we are still unable to accept the view that the Charter makes us accountable to the United Nations for the administration of the colonial territories—other than trust territories—and he suggested that further sterile discussions turning on this question should be avoided and that the committee should instead concentrate on a constructive interchange of ideas and experience. Other members responded to this suggestion, and our representative was able to make what we believe was a helpful as well as positive contribution to the ensuing discussions.
§ Mr. RussellIs the right hon. Gentleman quite satisfied this change of policy will not mean that a number of foreign countries with no interest in the Colonies at all will be able to pry into their activities and administration?
§ Mr. GriffithsI do not think it can be described as a change of policy.