§ 41. Mr. Usborneasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will now state his policy towards the holding of a United Nations Charter review conference; and what instructions he has given to our delegate at the United Nations in this regard.
§ The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Anthony Nutting)The question of holding a review conference will be discussed by the United Nations General Assembly at its next meeting. Meanwhile, Her Majesty's Government are considering the problem of Charter revision in consultation with other Governments.
§ Mr. BeswickIs the Minister of State aware that the United States Senate have already set up a sub-committee to study this problem and to take evidence from interested individuals and organisations? Does not he think that some equally lively initiative ought to be undertaken by this country?
§ Mr. NuttingWe are consulting other Governments, including the United States Government, upon this matter.
§ Mr. UsborneIn view of the fact that a few days ago the Minister of Defence said that disarmament probably involved changing the United Nations into a kind of world government, would it not be appropriate if the Government issued a 1164 White Paper explaining how they think the Charter should be re-written in order to take care of that matter?
§ Mr. NuttingI think that that could best come after Her Majesty's Government have expressed their views in the United Nations, and after this matter has been thoroughly discussed in the United Nations, which will be next September.