HC Deb 23 November 1953 vol 521 c25
42. Mr. Fenner Brockway

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how the British delegate on the main Political Committee of the United Nations voted on the resolution recommending that all necessary steps be taken to ensure the realisation of Tunisian sovereignty and independence.

Mr. Eden

The British delegate in the Political Committee voted against this resolution on grounds of competence.

Mr. Brockway

Would the right hon. Gentleman reconsider the whole attitude of the British delegation on this kind of issue, and whether he is not placing this country on the wrong side of history and antagonising two-thirds of the world population, which are the coloured peoples?

Mr. Eden

I have to interpret the rules of the Charter, and this matter, according to the rules of the Charter, is clearly within the domestic jurisdiction of France. I am obliged to abide by the rules, and the view I take is the same as that taken by the preceding Government.