HC Deb 19 July 1954 vol 530 cc969-70
29. Mr. Swingler

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is now in a position to make a statement on the report of the Fact-Finding Committee on Guatemala; and what instructions he will give thereon to the British representative on the Security Council.

Mr. Dodds-Parker

The Spanish text of the Inter-American Peace Committee's Report reached the Secretariat of the United Nations on 13th July. I am informed that in view of its length it will take a few days for it to be translated and circulated as a Security Council document. We shall, of course, consider the Report carefully and decide what further action is required.

Mr. Swingler

Can the Minister say when he will be able to make a statement to the House on this Report and on the policy instructions being given to Her Majesty's representatives?

Mr. Dodds-Parker

It is not customary to give information ahead of time about instructions given to Her Majesty's representatives at the Security Council. My right hon. and learned Friend the Minister of State made the position of Her Majesty's Government quite clear last Wednesday. He said that we shall make this document available as soon as we can.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Will the representatives of Her Majesty's Government be instructed to urge upon the Security Council that under Article 39 it is the duty of the Council to determine from what territory the invasion of Guatemala was arranged and who sold the arms and aircraft with which the rebels conducted it?

Mr. Dodds-Parker

I cannot add anything to what was said by my right hon. and learned Friend in the debate last Wednesday, when he made the position perfectly clear.