§ 23. Mr. Warbeyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action has been taken by the British representative on the Security Council of the United Nations to place the invasion of Costa Rica on the agenda of the Security Council as a threat to peace.
§ Mr. NuttingNone, Sir.
§ Mr. WarbeyIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is the second occasion during the past 12 months on which the Security Council has been by-passed in a matter affecting a breach of international peace, and does he not think that this contrasts very unfavourably with what happened in the case of Korea? Should not the same action have been taken by Her Majesty's Government's representative to bring this matter before the Security Council?
§ Mr. NuttingThere was no question of by-passing either the Security Council or the United Nations. Costa Rica did not appeal to the Security Council for any help, but was content to have that matter dealt with by the Organisation of American States, as is permitted, and, indeed, encouraged, by the United Nations Charter.
§ Mr. SmithersDoes not my right hon. Friend think it a very encouraging sign that the Organisation of American States had so much success in this matter in one of the most dangerous and turbulent parts of the Western Hemisphere?
§ Mr. NuttingI entirely agree with my hon. Friend.