§ 9. Mr. Thomas Reidasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps he proposes to take to secure for the United Nations Security Council or Assembly power to enforce treaties or agreements which States may desire to break unilaterally.
§ Mr. EdenIt is not my present intention to take any step designed to give the Security Council or the General Assembly greater powers than they already possess under the Charter. Nor do I consider that the amendments of the Charter which would be necessary for this purpose could be brought into force. His Majesty's Government are, however, at present seeking to bring about improvements in the procedure of the General Assembly so that, should 2362 breaches of treaties or other legal questions arise, it will first inform itself of the legal position and then direct its action so as to support the maintenance of treaty obligations and the rule of law.
§ Mr. T. ReidMay I ask the Minister if under the present system the fact is, whatever it may be in theory, that a wrong-doer can get away with impunity in respect of his misdeeds, whereas the injured party is bound by international law not to take the law into his own hands?
§ Mr. EdenIt certainly has sometimes worked out that way, but in view of the only condition under which the Charter can be amended being, as the hon. Gentleman knows, by means of unanimity, I do not think I should serve any useful purpose by trying to bring that about just now.