HC Deb 05 July 1954 vol 529 cc1780-1
21. Mr. Hale

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what at present are the competent regional arrangements or agencies within the meaning of Chapter VIII of the United Nations Charter for the maintenance of international peace or security and through which the Security Council can encourage the settlement of local disputes; and what was the date of recognition of each such arrangement or agency.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

The United Nations Charter does not provide for the recognition of regional arrangements or agencies. In practice, the Organisation of American States has been regarded as such an agency and is the only one in respect of which Her Majesty's Government consider the position to be clear. The Charter of the Organisation of American States came into force in 1948.

Mr. Hale

Are we to understand, as the Question takes the precise words of the Charter, that no other member of the United Nations was ever aware that Her Majesty's Government recognised this organisation until the moment when recognition was effected and that the matter has never been brought before the full Council or the Security Council until this reference was made?

Mr. Lloyd

I do not think there is any provision in the Charter for this process of recognition.