§ 35. Mr. Elwyn Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, and hen, it is proposed that the United Kingdom should ratify the 1949 Geneva Conventions relative to the treatment of prisoners of war and to the protection of civilian persons in time of war: and what countries have already ratified these conventions.
§ Mr. Selwyn LloydHer Majesty's Government intend that the United Kingdom shall ratify these Conventions. Legislation will, however, first be required. I am not yet in a position to say when it will be possible to introduce such legislation.
The following countries have ratified the Conventions: Chile, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, France, Guatemala, the Holy See, India, Israel, Italy, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, Pakistan, Switzerland and Yugoslavia. Jordan and South Africa have acceded to the Conventions.
§ Mr. Elwyn JonesIn the absence of ratification of these Conventions, can the right hon. and learned Gentleman say to what extent they are binding upon the parties in the Korean fighting?