HC Deb 06 June 1951 vol 488 c981
4. Brigadier Rayner

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how the matter now stands as regards the payment of damages awarded by The Hague International Court against Albania in 1949 in respect to the Corfu Channel incident.

Mr. H. Morrison

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the agreement between the British, American and French Governments published in the White Paper. Command No. 8242.

Brigadier Rayner

I have read it. Will the Government on every possible occasion instruct the British people on the very small advantages of these references to The Hague Court? Is it not much better in these days to face facts honestly and not live in a world of make believe?

Mr. Morrison

I do not think it would be useful if I were to make an attack upon The Hague Court, as invited by the hon. and gallant Member.

Mr. E. L. Mallalieu

In spite of the somewhat nugatory character of the judgment in the Corfu case, is my right hon. Friend aware of the great satisfaction he has given in submitting the Persian oil case to The Hague Court, as an alternative to the Tory policy of sending warships?

Mr. Mott-Radclyffe

Before the discussion took place with Albanian representatives on the method of paying The Hague Court award, were His Majesty's Government aware that there were no Albanian assets in this country which could be seized as compensation?

Mr. Morrison

I think we have always known that.

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